If a man near Islam Makhachev has to be believed, the UFC light weight champion could approach the end of the road.
As it looks now, De Dagestani is preparing for a new chapter in his career. Makhachev will leave the lightweight title prior to a switch to the Welterweight Division this year.
In anticipation of the dominant King of 155 pounds on 170 pounds, it is recently crowned UFC champion Jack della Maddalena, who survived Belal Muhammad to take the crown on UFC 315.
But even before his Stint starts in a new weight class, a former hunter who knows that Makhachev Well has predicted a quick exit.
Josh Thomson predicts that Islam Makhachev will only defend the UFC -Welterweight title once
During a recent episode of his ways in Podcast, the former StrikeForce champion and UFC community service Josh Thomson looked ahead to the most important career -adjustment of Makhachev.
'The Punk' knows the Dagestani hunter well, who is trained next to him and people like Khabib Nurmagomedov in the renowned American Kickboxing Academy Gym in San Jose, California.
And as Nurmagomedov did, Thomson Makhachev expects to see the gloves hang while he is on top.
'I think he will defend it [the UFC welterweight] Title once [before retiring]”Said Thomson.” I also believe it will probably be a Shavkat [Rakhmonov]Maybe a Sean Brady when Sean Brady passes by … Ian Garry, there is talk that they are planned to fight.
“If it becomes an Ian Garry, I don't know if he will do it. I think he will probably be just like,” Okay, I'm good. ” I think he wants to fight by boys who want to fight, don't run around.
“34 years old, he understands that time is coming. He is someone who doesn't want to take a bad loss,” Thomson added. “He wants to be able to go on his own conditions.”
What Islam Makhachev said about retirement
When it comes to the man himself, the dominant lightweight champion has remained cautious about a potential timeline for the conclusion of his career.
Before Makhacheve Renato Moicano submitted to UFC 311 in what will go off as his last defending defense on 155 pounds, the Russian high point was asked about pension during an interview with Demetrious Johnson.
“You know what my opinion is,” said Makhachev. “It's not like records, it's not like age.
“My opinion is, I go to the gym, and I told you, all children want to show me something. And if I understand that I can't stop people, I can't compete with the young boys, I think about [retiring]
“But at the moment it is not time to talk about this, because I know I can do more, and I improve [in] All my fights, “Makhachev added.
For the time being Makhachev will have its full focus on conquering another UFC championship by making Della Maddalena's Reign a short one.
But perhaps the Dagestani will join his friend and mentor Nurmagomedov in the coaching rich instead of later.