Makhachev Says He Will Keep Fighting Unless His Mother Forces Him to Retire

His comments make family pressure a clear factor that could end the 34-year-old two-division reign and push him toward civic work in Dagestan.

Overview

In a June interview with Murad LaRiba, Makhachev confirmed his mother has long told him to stop fighting and said he would retire if she "truly puts her foot down."
He also said he remains motivated and has goals to pursue in the sport, so he is not planning to retire right now.
Makhachev is linked to a potential Ian Machado Garry fight for August and still has not announced a first welterweight title defense after winning the belt in November.
His mother has asked to meet Khabib Nurmagomedov, creating an explicit comparison to Khabib's 2020 exit from MMA at his mother's request.
Makhachev has discussed a post-fight future in Dagestan focused on construction planning and urban standards, a path that would preserve local influence if he steps away and that would reshape UFC matchmaking and his sporting legacy.