UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has addressed speculation about his potential retirement, stating he has no immediate plans to step away from the sport. His comments come as the UFC gears up for UFC 334, headlined by Ciryl Gane defending his heavyweight title against Josh Hokit and Kayla Harrison facing Amanda Nunes.
While Makhachev's future remains a topic of discussion, the focus this weekend is on the stacked UFC 334 card in New York City. The event features not only the two championship bouts but also notable fights like Stephen Thompson's potential retirement match. Earlier in the week, reports surfaced of an altercation involving Merab Dvalishvili at an event in Abu Dhabi, though this incident is separate from Makhachev's retirement talk.
Makhachev Denies Retirement Talk Amidst UFC 334 Buzz
8 stories · 3 sources
Sources
- Video shows Merab Dvalishvili attacked by Usman Nurmagomedov and others at RAF event in Abu Dhabi — CBS Sports,
- Daniel Cormier: Islam Makhachev not afraid of Carlos Prates, 'would fight him anywhere' — Yahoo Sports,
- UFC 334: Stephen Thompson's retirement, Bilal Hasan's return among top fights to watch this weekend — CBS Sports,
- UFC 334: Gane vs Hokit start time, card and how to watch fights this weekend — Yahoo Sports,
- UFC 334: Gane v Hokit - all you need to know — BBC Sport,
- UFC 334: Fight card, date, odds and complete guide as Ciryl Gane takes on Josh Hokit in New York City — CBS Sports,
- 2026 UFC event schedule: Ciryl Gane vs. Josh Hokit, Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes on tap — CBS Sports,
- UFC 334 fight card -- Ciryl Gane vs. Josh Hokit: Five biggest storylines to follow in New York — CBS Sports,