India, Aug. 25 -- Islam Makhachev is starting to think about life beyond MMA, admitting that he may only have a handful of fights left in his career. The UFC welterweight champion said he still has at least three "exciting and very difficult" bouts ahead, but his comments suggest retirement is becoming a consideration rather than a distant thought.

Makhachev's career has followed the path of his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov, who retired at 32 in 2020 after the death of his father and coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Since then, Khabib has guided several Dagestani fighters, with Makhachev emerging as the standout of the group. After defeating Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330, Makhachev also surpassed Khabib by setting a new UFC record for the lo...