Islam Makhachev will be hanging around for three more fights. This statement from Javier Mendez riled up the entire internet. Fans and experts alike expressed their shock at the news. Veterans like Daniel Cormier pointed out that Makhachev’s leaving so early would not be a good advertisement for the sport. However, in a recent interview, Mendez further clarified his earlier statement. And thankfully, Islam Makhachev will not be hanging up his gloves anytime soon!
Speaking on the matter, Mendez pointed out that his statement was taken out of context. Looking at how Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov used to believe that a fighter must quit at 35, Mendez made a prediction. It was not something that Islam Makhachev himself has stated.
“People are taking that out of context. I said maybe he fights 3 more times. I didn’t say Islam said that — I’m thinking because Khabib’s father talked about how fighters should quit at 35. So basically, I’m just assuming Islam would be thinking about retirement at that particular age. Realistically, he can have 7–8 fights — depends on what Islam wants,” said Mendez.
👊Javier Mendez clears the air — says people misunderstood him about Islam having only 3 fights left. Realistically, he believes Islam can have 7–8 fights, depending on what he wants.
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) June 19, 2025
"People are taking that out of context. I said maybe he fights 3 more times. I didn’t say Islam… pic.twitter.com/vJ78bRGWt6
Surely, this will be a huge sigh of relief for the fans. Afterall, Makhachev has been one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. Coming into the lightweight division, the Dagestani dominated it thoroughly, defeating almost the entire division. However, while Makhachev is looking to become a two division champion, Joaquin Buckley is not too interested in the same.
Joaquin Buckley Not Too Concerned About Islam Makhachev Coming In Welterweight
Islam Makhachev will be coming to the welterweight division for the title. But that is not scaring Joaquin Buckley at all. He stated that Makhachev would not be a ‘big threat.’ Buckley also pointed out that Makhachev needed to beat Sean Brady, Ian Garry, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and more to establish his legacy.
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“Islam ain’t no big threat to the welterweight division. This is the deepest weight class you can get into right now. Not only myself, but guys like Ian Garry, Shavkat, Sean Brady. Islam’s definitely gonna have to prove to the world that he’s ready for this division,” said Buckley.
Joaquin Buckley doesn't think Islam Makhachev is a 'big threat' at 170 😬
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 11, 2025
"Islam ain't no big threat to the welterweight division. This is the deepest weight class you can get into right now.
Not only myself, but guys like Ian Garry, Shavkat, Sean Brady. Islam's definitely… pic.twitter.com/ORSlzXCumx
Thus, with things getting interesting, it remains to be seen what happens next.
Also Read: Team Islam Makhachev Drops Shocking Timeline For Dagestani Icon’s Retirement
