Cormier’s Heartbreak: Is Islam Makhachev’s Retirement Coming Sooner Than Expected?
The MMA world might be facing a shocking reality sooner than expected. UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev could be hanging up his gloves earlier than fans anticipated – and no one seems more devastated by this possibility than former two-division champion Daniel Cormier.
DC, who has been a longtime training partner and friend of Makhachev through their connections at American Kickboxing Academy (AKA), is reportedly struggling with the idea that Islam’s fighting days might be numbered.
The Bombshell from Coach Mendez
This retirement bombshell came straight from AKA head coach Javier Mendez, who recently revealed that Makhachev has been considering walking away from the sport while still in his prime. For hardcore MMA fans, this news hits particularly hard considering Makhachev is only 32 years old and seemingly at the peak of his powers.
Mendez dropped this unexpected revelation just weeks after Makhachev’s dominant victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302, where the Dagestani champion secured his third successful title defense with a fifth-round submission.
“Islam has always talked about an early retirement,” Mendez explained. “He wants to go out on top, healthy, and with his legacy secure. I think Daniel is having trouble accepting it because Islam is just reaching his peak.”
Why Cormier Can’t Accept It
For Cormier, Makhachev’s potential early exit from the sport represents more than just the loss of an elite champion – it’s personal. Having watched Islam develop from a promising prospect to the dominant force he is today, DC sees Makhachev as carrying on the legacy that he and Khabib Nurmagomedov built at AKA.
On his ESPN show, Cormier recently expressed his feelings: “I just can’t wrap my head around it. Islam is barely getting started showing the world what he can do. He’s the most complete fighter in the UFC right now, and to think he might walk away… man, that’s tough to accept.”
The Makhachev Timeline: How Much Is Left?
| Milestone | Status | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| UFC Lightweight Title Win | Completed (vs. Oliveira) | October 2022 |
| First Title Defense | Completed (vs. Volkanovski) | February 2023 |
| Second Title Defense | Completed (vs. Volkanovski) | October 2023 |
| Third Title Defense | Completed (vs. Poirier) | June 2024 |
| Potential Retirement | Rumored | After 1-2 more fights? |
Following Khabib’s Blueprint?
Many insiders believe Makhachev is following the retirement blueprint of his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, who shocked the MMA world by retiring at 32 with a perfect 29-0 record after defending his lightweight title for the third time.
Like Khabib, Islam appears focused on preserving his health and leaving the sport on his own terms. The Dagestani fighters have consistently prioritized their long-term wellbeing over extending their careers for additional paydays or acclaim.
“I think Daniel struggles with this because he fought until he was 41,” said one AKA teammate who wished to remain anonymous. “The Dagestanis have a different mindset about fighting careers – they want to accomplish their goals and then move on to the next chapter in life.”
What’s Left for Makhachev to Accomplish?
The big question is: what milestones remain for Islam before he feels comfortable walking away? Many believe he wants to solidify his position as the pound-for-pound #1 fighter in the world – a distinction he currently holds but could strengthen with 1-2 more dominant performances.
Potential remaining challenges include:
- A welterweight super-fight against champion Leon Edwards
- A defense against surging contender Arman Tsarukyan in a rematch
- Breaking Khabib’s record of three lightweight title defenses
Could Cormier Change Islam’s Mind?
As one of Makhachev’s closest mentors, could Cormier potentially influence the champion’s decision? It seems unlikely. The Dagestani fighters have consistently demonstrated their commitment to their predetermined career paths, regardless of outside opinions.
However, Cormier’s influence in Makhachev’s corner and during training camp remains significant. If anyone could make a compelling case for Islam to extend his career, it would be DC – though even he may have to eventually accept his friend’s decision.
I’ve watched these fighters from AKA make these tough calls before. Khabib’s retirement shocked everyone, but looking back, it was the perfect exit. Islam seems to be reading from the same playbook, and while it’s heartbreaking for fans and teammates alike, it’s hard to argue with the wisdom of leaving on top.
What This Means for the Lightweight Division
Should Makhachev retire in the near future, the 155-pound division would be thrown into fascinating chaos. Current contenders like Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira, and Michael Chandler would suddenly see a clear path to gold that currently appears blocked by Islam’s dominance.
For now, the MMA world – and especially Daniel Cormier – will have to come to terms with the reality that one of the sport’s most dominant champions may be on a countdown to retirement that’s ticking faster than anyone expected.
Will You Miss Makhachev When He’s Gone?
Whether you’re a die-hard Islam fan or just appreciate witnessing greatness in the octagon, the potential early departure of Makhachev represents a significant moment in UFC history. A fighter walking away in their prime, on their own terms, is both admirable and heartbreaking.
For Cormier, it’s clearly the latter. But as the saying goes in combat sports – it’s better to leave too early than too late. The question is: how many more times will we get to see the brilliance of Islam Makhachev before he decides enough is enough?
What do you think? Should Makhachev continue his reign, or is there wisdom in walking away while still on top? Let us know in the comments below!
Source: Gannett-CDN