‘Difficult’ – Islam Makhachev reveals how many fights he has left in huge retirement update after UFC 330 title defence

ISLAM MAKHACHEV has revealed his plans for retirement following yet another dominant title defence. The Russian wrecking machine further etched his name into the MMA history books earlier this month at UFC 330. Islam Makhachev retained his welterweight title at UFC 330 earlier this month Credit: GETTY The Dagestani defended his welterweight title with a unanimous decision win over Ian Machado Garry Credit: GETTY His unanimous decision victory over Ian Machado Garry marked his maiden defence of the welterweight title he claimed last November with a shutout victory over Jack Della Maddalena. It also saw him break Anderson Silva‘s record for the most consecutive wins in UFC history, which now stands at 17. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! Makhachev, 34, is undoubtedly at the peak of his powers since moving up to 170lbs. But fight fans may only have THREE more opportunities to see the Dagestani destroyer, the protege of Khabib Nurmagomedov, in action before he calls it a day. He said: “I don’t know what other records there will be for me to chase. “But right now in my division there are some very strong title contenders. “Looking ahead, I think there will be at least three more exciting and very difficult fights in front of me.” If Makhachev gets his way, one of his potentially three remaining fights could take place before year’s end. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS Victory over Ian Machado Garry saw Islam Makhachev break the record for most consecutive wins in UFC history Credit: Getty The Russian had admitted he could soon hang up his gloves Credit: GETTY In the UFC 330 post-fight press conference, he said: “Bro we have to fight before Ramadan, 100 per cent. “January, end of [the year], we have to fight.” He continued: “I’m 34 years old, I have to fight as soon as possible. “I’m not cutting much weight; I don’t have any big injuries. That’s it.” Comment now