Javier Mendez recently stated how Islam Makhachev might stay around for just three more fights. While nothing has been confirmed yet, former UFC double champion Daniel Cormier seems to be quite concerned. He stated that fighters like Makhachev walking away so early is disheartening for the fans. Surely, Cormier has a pretty good ratio with Makhachev. And it only makes sense why DC wants Makhachev not to retire too soon.
In a recent statement, Cormier opined that fighters like Makhachev are needed in the industry. They make the sport more appealing to the fans. Reflecting on the same, DC also stated that the only good thing is that Makhachev himself hasn’t said the same. Thus, there is just a tad bit of hope still left that the Dagestani champion might change his mind.
“I think that we are in a time right now in fighting that for me as a fan is very sad. I don’t believe for a second though that it’s going to change but when they all start to walk away it’s sad for the fan but Islam only has three fights. It’s scary to me,” said Cormier.
Daniel Cormier reacts to the news of Islam Makhachev having only three fights left — "That should be worrisome to us as MMA fans."👀😳
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) June 17, 2025
🎥 @dc_mma pic.twitter.com/09WcjLDc9e
Elaborating on the topic, DC also stated that he has been longing to see Makhachev face Jack Della Maddalena. And if the Dagestani can attain the two-division champion status, it would cement his legacy further. Cormier also predicted that Makhachev could then go on and face Kamaru Usman and Ilia Topuria. Meanwhile, as the hype around Makhachev’s welterweight debut builds, Joaquin Buckley had some bold statements to share.
Joaquin Buckley Accuses Islam Makhachev Of Avoiding Him
Buckley recently called out Islam Makhachev. In a recent statement, Buckley stated that the Dagestani avoids certain fighters, including himself. Rather, he wanted to fight Jack Della Maddalena as he has a simpler fighting style.
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“Islam is only moving up because he had the right opportunity to fight the right person. Even when Belal was champ, I believe if he thought he could beat Belal, he would move up. But stylistically, it would’ve been a harder matchup. But with JDM, he’s a simple fighter,” Buckley said.
Joaquin Buckley reveals why he thinks Islam is scared of him:
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) June 12, 2025
"Islam is only moving up because he had the right opportunity to fight the right person. Even when Belal was champ, I believe if he thought he could beat Belal, he would move up.
But stylistically, it would’ve been a… pic.twitter.com/qtEMFodxva
Thus, with a lot of interesting takes going on, it remains to be seen what the future holds for Islam Makhachev.
Also Read: Team Islam Makhachev Drops Shocking Timeline For Dagestani Icon’s Retirement
