Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov share one of the strongest bonds in MMA history. They are not related by blood, yet their relationship is more powerful than what many real brothers experience.
Fans have always viewed them as two warriors walking the same path, carrying the same values, and representing Dagestan with pride.
But recently, Islam Makhachev surprised many fans when he said in an interview with Daniel Cormier that he does not want Khabib’s life after retirement.
This statement confused a lot of people. Why would Islam say that about the person who guided him, supported him, and helped shape him into the UFC lightweight champion?
The truth behind his answer is far more emotional and meaningful than it first appeared.
In this article, we break down exactly what Islam meant, why Khabib’s lifestyle after retirement is so demanding, why Islam dreams of a peaceful future, and how both champions shaped Dagestan’s rise in MMA.
Why Islam Makhachev Said He Doesn’t Want Khabib’s Life
During an interview with Daniel Cormier, Islam Makhachev was asked about his future plans and what kind of life he wants after retiring from the UFC. Islam responded by saying:
“I don’t want Khabib’s life.”
Cormier was shocked and immediately followed up with, “What do you mean?”
Islam explained that Khabib, even after retirement, does not live a slow and peaceful life. Instead, he is constantly traveling, constantly coaching, constantly attending events, and always busy helping his teammates.
Islam said clearly that Khabib’s life after retirement is not a peaceful life, even though people think he is resting. The reality is different.
Khabib’s Life After Retirement Is Extremely Busy
Even though Khabib retired undefeated and left the sport at the top, he did not step away from the MMA world. Instead, he stepped deeper into it.
Here’s how:
1. Traveling Nonstop
Khabib spends a huge part of his time traveling for training camps, cornering fighters, media events, business projects, and promotions. His retirement is nowhere near quiet.
2. Coaching His Team
He took full responsibility for guiding younger fighters. He is always on the mats, always teaching, and always planning strategies for his teammates.
3. Supporting Every Teammate
Islam mentioned that Khabib goes to almost every event where a teammate is fighting. He supports them not just as a coach but as a brother and leader.
4. Still Carrying Dagestan on His Shoulders
Everyone from Dagestan looks up to him, and with that comes pressure and responsibility.
Islam respects all this, but he knows it is not the kind of life he personally wants after he retires.
Why Islam Wants a Peaceful Life After Retirement
Islam Makhachev made it very clear that he wants something different for himself once his fighting career is over. His vision of retirement is simple:
1. He Wants Peace, Not Endless Traveling
Islam said he will not travel as much as Khabib. He wants to stay in Dagestan and avoid constant movement around the world.
2. He Wants to Spend Time With Family and Friends
Fighting takes years away from family. Islam dreams of making up for that time. He wants slow mornings, family gatherings, and peaceful evenings, something fighters rarely get during their careers.
3. He Doesn’t Want Intense Training Forever
Khabib still trains very hard because he has to guide fighters every day. Islam said he does not want to continue that level of intensity when he retires.
He wants to stay healthy and relaxed, not push his body endlessly.
4. He Wants a Normal Life in Dagestan
Islam has always been connected to Dagestan. He said he wants to live in his hometown and enjoy the simple life the region offers.
Daniel Cormier Asked: “Why Do You Love Dagestan So Much?”
Daniel Cormier was curious about Islam’s attachment to his homeland. He asked Islam why he loves Dagestan so deeply and what makes it so special.
Islam’s answer showed his heart:
1. Dagestan Has Natural Beauty
Islam said he loves the mountains, the sea views, the fresh air, and the peaceful environment. For him, these things mean more than big cities or a busy lifestyle.
2. Dagestan Keeps Him Grounded
He feels connected to his roots. The culture, the people, the traditions—all of it gives him strength and stability.
3. Dagestan Is Where His Family Is
For Islam, home is not just a place. It is where the people he loves live. After years of fighting around the world, he wants to return to the place where he truly belongs.
Islam Achieved More in UFC Than Khabib in Some Areas
Many MMA fans believe Islam Makhachev has already achieved things even Khabib did not:
- Multiple title defenses
- Dominant performances against top contenders
- Evolving into one of the most well-rounded fighters in the world
But there is one key difference that will always separate them:
Khabib Retired Undefeated
Khabib walked away with a perfect MMA record 29 wins and zero losses. That gives him a legendary status that no one can ever take away.
Islam, on the other hand, has one loss earlier in his UFC career. It does not define him, but it does create a difference in how history will compare these two champions.
Still, Islam’s achievements stand on their own:
- He became the UFC lightweight champion
- He defended the belt multiple times
- He dominated high-level fighters
- He proved he is among the best lightweights in MMA history
The bond between him and Khabib is not built on wins and losses. It is built on loyalty, trust, and respect.
Khabib Started the Journey That Raised Dagestan’s Name in MMA
Before Khabib became champion, the world barely knew anything about Dagestan. It was not seen as a powerhouse in MMA. Everything changed when Khabib made history.
Khabib Put Dagestan on the Global MMA Map
His dominance, his discipline, and his undefeated career turned the spotlight toward his homeland. Suddenly, the world wanted to know where Khabib came from.
He Inspired a New Generation
Islam, Umar Nurmagomedov, Usman Nurmagomedov, Movsar Evloev, and many others followed the path Khabib helped build. Dagestan became known as one of the strongest regions for combat sports.
Islam Continued That Legacy
Islam carries Khabib’s teachings and values. His success kept Dagestan’s name growing in the UFC and the global MMA scene.
Together, they created a legacy that will continue for decades.
The Deep Brotherhood Between Islam and Khabib
Their relationship goes far beyond fighting:
- They trained under Khabib’s father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who treated Islam like his own son.
- They traveled the world together for camps and fights.
- They supported each other through wins, losses, injuries, and tough times.
Islam’s statement about not wanting Khabib’s lifestyle does not reflect distance between them. In fact, it shows honesty and mutual respect. Islam admires Khabib deeply, but he wants a different future for himself.
What Islam Truly Meant
Islam Makhachev was not criticizing Khabib. He was simply saying:
“Khabib chose a life of responsibility after retirement. I want a life of peace.”
He respects Khabib’s dedication, but he does not want the same pressure or constant commitments. It is a personal choice, shaped by years of fighting and sacrifices.
In the end, both men are legends in their own way.
Conclusion
Islam Makhachev’s statement that he doesn’t want Khabib’s life was not disrespectful, it was honest.
Khabib lives a busy, demanding life even after retirement because he carries the responsibility of guiding the next generation.
Islam, however, dreams of a quieter future in Dagestan, surrounded by nature, family, and peace.
- Their bond remains unbreakable.
- Their paths may be different, but their respect for each other stays the same.
- Khabib started the rise of Dagestan in MMA, and Islam carries that legacy forward.
Both champions will forever be remembered as two of the greatest fighters to come from Dagestan—two brothers whose journeys shaped an entire era of MMA.
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