Joe Rogan suggests Islam Makhachev could retire after UFC 330

Widely regarded as one of the best fighters of his generation, Islam Makhachev has already accomplished too much inside the Octagon. A two-division champion, the Russian has won his last 16 fights, matching Anderson Silva's record for the longest winning streak in UFC history. Next Saturday, when he faces Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330, Makhachev will have the opportunity to add one more accolade to his record. Given all those accomplishments, UFC commentator Joe Rogan believes the champion could hang up his gloves after his next fight.

Joe Rogan Sees Retirement as a Possibility

Very few fighters have been as successful as Makhachev in the UFC. In 2022, the Russian submitted Charles Oliveira to become the lightweight champion and went on to defend his title four times, setting the record for most consecutive title defenses in the division.

Following that feat, Makhachev moved up to welterweight and became a two-division champion after defeating Jack Della Maddalena for the 170-pound title in his divisional debut. Meanwhile, at 34 years old, the Russian also matched Silva's record for the longest winning streak in UFC history. During this run, Makhachev has collected victories over former champions Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski and Della Maddalena, while losing only once in his entire career.

Without a doubt, Makhachev's achievements are impressive. Maybe that is the reason Rogan believes the two-division champion could walk away after UFC 330. Speaking on a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, the commentator said he could envision the two-division champion submitting Garry and calling it a career afterward.

"We'll see what happens," Rogan began. "Islam may retire. He may retire. He's done a lot. He's competed in two different weight classes and won world championships in two different weight classes. If he beats Ian, if he submits Ian and says, 'I've had enough, I'm going to do what Khabib did, and I'm going to coach now,' I could see that. And then I could see Morales and Prates for the f*cking undisputed title."

Rogan's comments, however, remain purely speculative. Makhachev recently dismissed reports that he plans to retire after UFC 330, saying he wants to keep fighting and continue breaking records.

Islam Makhachev's Grappling Remains His Biggest Weapon

Unsurprisingly, Makhachev will probably rely on his elite-level grappling to defend the welterweight title against Garry. While the Russian is arguably one of the best wrestlers in the promotion, the Irishman has his striking and distance management as his biggest weapons. With that in mind, Rogan doesn't believe Makhachev is planning on trading shots with Garry and points to the Russian's ground game as "top of the food chain."

"I don't think he has any plans standing up and striking with him other than as a means to an end," Rogan said. "His grappling is so high level. Islam's grappling right now is at the top of the food chain."

For now, Makhachev must first get past Garry before considering the next move in his career. Whether he continues adding to his already impressive list of accomplishments or eventually decides to walk away, the Russian has already reached a level where retirement at 34 would be a remarkable decision.