Khabib Nurmagomedov recently made realistic predictions about Islam Makhachev’s lightweight title reign.
The former UFC lightweight champion said he expects his protege to make five or six title defenses at most before the years take a toll on him.
‘The Eagle’ humbly noted that no one can stay a champion forever as the human body and its physical capabilities are bound to be affected over time. When asked about Makhachev’s future in an interview with Red Corner MMA, Nurmagomedov said:
“I think he needs at least five. Maybe six. That would be ideal. Six defenses, that’s six fights and three years. Then it’s possible that the sport leaves him because nobody can stay on top forever. The way the Almighty created a man, he first becomes strong then weak. He’s young then he’s old. Knowing that, the goal is five-six defenses.”
Watch Khabib Nurmagomedov’s comments below:
When is Islam Makhachev defending his title?
Khabib Nurmagomedov defended his title a total of three times within nearly two and a half years after winning it against Al Iaquinta in 2018. ‘The Eagle’ bade farewell to the octagon with a perfect 29-0 record after submitting Justin Gaethje at UFC 254.
Almost exactly two years later, his protege Islam Makhachev took the lightweight strap back to Dagestan with a dominant win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. Makhachev is slated to make his first title defense against UFC P4P king Alexander Volkanovski in a clash of champions.
