“Islam may retire,” UFC color commentator, Joe Rogan, said on his official podcast. “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 (Michael) Morales and (Carlos) Prates for the (expletive) undisputed title.”
A victory over Garry will give Makhachev (28-1) title defenses in two different weight classes. Whether or not that qualifies him for “GOAT” status depends on who you ask, but Morales is already tasked with backup duties for UFC 330 and may (or may not) end up as the next title challenger, regardless of Saturday night’s outcome.
For the finalized UFC 330 fight card and Paramount+ lineup click here.
