Uros Medic is straight up tired of watching Islam Makhachev win. So tired, in fact, that the Serbian welterweight is actively urging the UFC lightweight king to hang up his gloves and call it a career. This isn’t just trash talk, Medic genuinely believes Makhachev has done it all.
Medic’s Wild Suggestion: The Champ Should Retire?!
Medic laid it all out during a recent appearance on the *Believe You Me* podcast. He admitted, “I’m going to be honest with you: I’m a little tired of watching Islam Makhachev winning at the top. I’m like, ‘Come on, go rest, go relax. You’re the best, bro.’” Think about that: a fellow fighter literally asking the champ to step away because he’s too good. Medic believes Makhachev has checked every single box in MMA. “You’ve proved everything,” he added. “I’m not afraid to say he is the best in the division right now. He is the champion. There’s no doubt about it. But if you’re talking or considering retirement, bro, get out. You’ve already accomplished everything.” Medic even went so far as to suggest Makhachev explore other avenues, saying he could be “a businessman, be a politician, he can be anything. He is a smart fellow.” Talk about a backhanded compliment wrapped in genuine respect.
Makhachev’s Unstoppable Reign and an Uncertain Future
And honestly, Medic’s got a point. Makhachev, alongside Khabib Nurmagomedov, has completely dominated the UFC over the last decade. Khabib brought that devastating Sambo-style wrestling and relentless ground-and-pound, but Makhachev? He’s taken that formula to another level entirely. We’re talking a record-setting four lightweight title defenses and the longest winning streak in UFC lightweight history, sitting at an insane 17 wins. Oh, and he snagged a second UFC title at 170lbs. The man has achieved just about everything you can in the sport. Makhachev himself has hinted that his next few appearances could be his last, which is why he’s only looking to face the absolute best competition. He’s expected to square off against the winner of Carlos Prates vs. Michael Morales at UFC 336 for the interim 170lbs title. He even pulled out of negotiations for an undisputed championship defense back in January, waiting for a “more suitable contender,” a move that drew criticism from fans and even Dana White. But the champ? He doesn’t seem particularly bothered by the backlash.
Medic, who is currently riding a four-fight winning streak himself and is set to face Kevin Holland at UFC 334 later this month, believes Makhachev has more than earned the right to walk away. He praised both Makhachev and Nurmagomedov for their huge impact on the sport, noting, “He has made a statement in this division that will probably be a long time before someone comes around and does what him and Khabib have done.” Medic speculates we might only see Makhachev for “another year, maybe? Another one or two fights,” with his next appearance possibly coming around mid-2027. So, while Medic is out there fighting for his own spot, the rest of us will be watching to see just how many more statements Makhachev makes before he finally decides to heed that surprising advice and “go rest.”
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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