Javier Mendez has backtracked after suggesting Islam Makhachev could retire soon.
Earlier this week, the AKA founder shocked everyone by claiming his star pupil could retire after three more fights.
Islam Makhachev responded by insisting he’s ‘just beginning’ to shut down talk about quitting MMA.
Now, Javier Mendez has clarified his earlier comments after causing a massive stir among UFC fans.
Islam Makhachev’s coach clarifies retirement comments
Mendez claims that his three-fight retirement suggestion was simply a guess.
After working with Khabib Nurmagomedov, who retired at 32 years old, and his late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, the renowned MMA coach assumed Makhachev would stop fighting at 35 years old.
However, Mendez has now admitted he had no inside knowledge of the 33-year-old’s retirement plan.
“People are taking that out of context,” he insisted. “I said maybe he fights 3 more times.
“Not in those exact words did I say that, but I didn’t say Islam said that. I’m thinking because being involved with Khabib’s father, talking 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. It depends on what Islam wants. It’s not what coach wants. He’s the driver, not me.
“I’m not saying he’s retiring… I just assumed there may be three fights, but there could be six, seven, or four. It could be any amount, I don’t know.”
What’s next for Islam Makhachev?
Last month, Makhachev vacated his UFC lightweight title, confirming his move to welterweight.
The greatest 155lb fighter of all time is expected to face Jack Della Maddalena later this year.
170lb gold will be on the line when they clash, but it’s currently unclear when or where they’ll fight.
Former dual-weight champion Henry Cejudo recently suggested they’ll fight in October.
As of right now, there has been no official update on Della Maddalena vs Makhachev.