Javier Mendez has clarified his previous comments suggesting Islam Makhachev might retire in the near future.
Earlier this week, the AKA founder surprised many by stating his top student might end his career after just three additional bouts.
Islam Makhachev countered by asserting he is `just beginning,` aiming to dispel rumors about leaving the sport.
Now, Javier Mendez has explained his initial remarks after they created considerable discussion among UFC supporters.
Mendez Clarifies Remarks on Makhachev`s Retirement
Mendez states his suggestion about a three-fight retirement timeline was purely speculative.
Drawing from his experience coaching Khabib Nurmagomedov, who retired at 32, and the perspective of Khabib`s late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov (who felt fighters should retire around 35), Mendez inferred Makhachev might also consider retirement near that age.
However, Mendez now admits he lacked any specific information about the 33-year-old`s actual retirement intentions.
“People are interpreting that incorrectly,” he emphasized. “I suggested he *might* have maybe three more fights.”
He added, “Those weren`t my exact words, and I didn`t claim Islam himself said it. My thinking was influenced by discussions with Khabib`s father, who believed fighters should retire around 35. So, I was essentially just assuming Islam might consider retirement around that age.”
“Realistically,” he noted, “Islam could have seven or eight more fights. Ultimately, it`s up to Islam; he`s in control of his career, not me.”
Mendez concluded, “I`m not stating definitively that he`s retiring soon… I merely speculated there *might* be three more fights, but it could equally be six, seven, four, or any other number. I simply don`t know his exact plans.”
Makhachev`s Future Plans
Last month, Makhachev relinquished his UFC lightweight championship, confirming his intention to compete in the welterweight division.
The fighter widely considered the greatest at 155 lbs is anticipated to face Jack Della Maddalena later in the current year.
The welterweight title will be contested in this upcoming bout, although the specific date and location are yet to be determined.
Former two-division champion Henry Cejudo recently speculated the fight might take place in October.
Currently, there has been no official confirmation regarding the Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev fight.
Percy Harlow