Undisputed lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev is likely to call time on his illustrious mixed martial arts career before the end of next year according to analyst and former title chaser, Chael Sonnen, who argues the current titleholder has cleared out the lightweight ranks more so than his training partner and coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov did.
Makhachev, the current undisputed lightweight champion and pound-for-pound number one ranked fighter under the banner of the promotion, made his return to the Octagon at UFC 294 back in October.
Taking on featherweight titleholder counterpart, Alexander Volkanovski in a short-notice title rematch, Makhachev landed a spectacular first round finish over the Australian, stopping his two-time foe with a flush – high-kick KO win in a surefire Knockout of the Year contender.