Makhachev Rejects Rogan's Retirement Talk Ahead Of UFC 330

Islam Makhachev has no plans to walk away after UFC 330.

The two-division UFC champion pushed back on retirement speculation from Joe Rogan, who recently suggested the welterweight titleholder might call it a career if he beats Ian Machado Garry on Saturday in Philadelphia. Makhachev told TMZ Sports he plans to keep fighting as long as his body allows. "No, no, no. I told you I like to be UFC champion and we're still going," he said, per Bloody Elbow. "It's not about numbers, about age. It's about your health, how you feel. Not everybody can feel the same at 34. That's why I feel great. No injuries. I still enjoy the sports, you know. That's why we will fight again. You will see me many more times."

Makhachev Charts Different Path Than Khabib

The 34-year-old has not lost since 2015 and captured gold in two weight classes, leading some observers to argue he has nothing left to prove. His most recent dominant stretch included a knockout of Alexander Volkanovski in their rematch after a competitive first meeting. Comparisons to childhood friend and training partner Khabib Nurmagomedov are inevitable, but Makhachev appears set on a different trajectory. Nurmagomedov retired undefeated at 29-0 despite many believing he had more fights in him.

Makhachev defends the welterweight strap for the first time against Garry at UFC 330 on Saturday.

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• BJPenn — Islam Makhachev dismisses Joe Rogan’s retirement idea ahead of UFC 330: “We’re still going”