Islam Makhachev has disclosed that his mother has been encouraging him to retire from mixed martial arts, drawing parallels to Khabib Nurmagomedov's retirement decision. Makhachev noted that his mother has been expressing her desire for him to quit fighting since before he transitioned from combat sambo to MMA. Recently, she has emphasized that Khabib listened to his mother and suggested that Makhachev should do the same. Although he has no immediate plans to retire, Makhachev stated he would respect his mother's wishes if she were to insist on it. Nurmagomedov, who retired at the age of 32, has previously indicated that fighters should consider stepping away by the age of 35-36. Makhachev is currently awaiting the announcement of his first title defense as welterweight champion, a title he claimed in November. The conversation around retirement is significant as it reflects the personal dynamics between Makhachev and his family, as well as the influence of Nurmagomedov's legacy in the sport.