Islam Makhachev has no plans to make UFC 330 his farewell, despite renewed speculation that a victory over Ian Machado Garry could send the welterweight champion into retirement.
The 34-year-old fighter gave an emphatic answer when TMZ Sports asked whether Saturday’s title defense might be one of his final appearances. “No, no, no,” Makhachev said, making clear that he still enjoys being UFC champion and intends to continue competing.
His latest comments reinforce what he said earlier this month after retirement rumors began circulating around UFC 330. In an interview covered by Yahoo Sports, Makhachev dismissed the speculation as “fake news” and said he wanted to keep fighting, pursue records and remain in the sport for years.
Joe Rogan recently gave the speculation another push by suggesting Makhachev could follow longtime friend and mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov into retirement if he defeats Garry. Makhachev, however, is talking about future fights.
Makhachev Says His Health Will Decide When He Retires
Makhachev said he does not have a specific age at which he plans to stop competing. Instead, he expects the decision to depend on his health and how he feels physically as his career continues. “It’s not about numbers, about age,” he told TMZ Sports.
Makhachev said he currently feels healthy, has no injuries and continues to enjoy competing. He then delivered his clearest response to the retirement rumors: “You will see me many more times.”
He said his goals include extending his winning streak and pushing UFC records far enough that future fighters will struggle to catch them. Makhachev even floated 20 consecutive UFC victories as a possible target, suggesting his ambitions extend well beyond Saturday night’s title defense.
UFC 330 Could Put Makhachev Alone in the Record Books
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According to UFC’s official record book, Makhachev enters UFC 330 on a 16-fight winning streak, tied with Anderson Silva for the longest winning streak in promotional history. A victory over Garry would give Makhachev 17 consecutive UFC wins and sole possession of the record.
Makhachev will defend the welterweight championship against Garry on Aug. 15 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. The UFC 330 main event will be his first defense at 170 pounds after he defeated Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision at UFC 322 in November 2025 to capture the title.
That victory made Makhachev a two-division UFC champion after his previous reign at lightweight, where he set a divisional record with four successful title defenses. Rogan recently suggested that if Makhachev produced another dominant performance against Garry, he could decide he had accomplished enough and transition into coaching as Nurmagomedov did.
He Calls Garry a ‘Real Contender’ but Still Expects to Win
Makhachev told TMZ Sports that he respects the Irish challenger as the division’s No. 1 contender and praised his striking, wrestling defense and grappling defense. At UFC 330 media day, however, Makhachev rejected the idea that Garry represents the toughest test of his career. “It’s not going to be my biggest challenge,” Makhachev said, according to MMA Fighting.
Makhachev acknowledged Garry’s striking ability and takedown defense but said he believes there are weaknesses he can exploit. He also argued that Garry tends to fight defensively and look for decisions rather than finishes.
Although the matchup is easily framed as Garry’s striking against Makhachev’s grappling, the champion said he is comfortable fighting on the feet if necessary. His preference, however, is to use wrestling and grappling when they offer the most direct route to victory.
Makhachev Wants to Fight in Russia Again Before His Career Ends
Retirement may not be part of Makhachev’s immediate plans, but he has thought about where he would eventually like his career to finish. Makhachev told TMZ Sports that returning to compete in Russia remains a personal goal. He pointed to the support he receives from fans there and said he would ultimately like his final fight to take place in his home country.