Islam Makhachev, the Russian mixed martial artist, has been steadily climbing the ranks in the world of MMA and establishing himself as a rising phenom. With an impressive record of 20 wins and only one loss, Makhachev is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the lightweight division. Many believe that he has the potential to become a future champion in the sport.
Makhachev’s journey in MMA began in 2010 when he made his professional debut. Hailing from Dagestan, a region known for producing world-class wrestlers and fighters, it was no surprise that Makhachev had a solid grappling base. His skills on the ground were immediately apparent as he won his first two fights via submission.
As he progressed in his career, Makhachev started to develop a well-rounded skill set, showcasing his striking prowess as well. His elite athleticism and strong work ethic allowed him to constantly improve and adapt to different fighting styles. Makhachev continued to dominate his opponents, displaying a relentless pressure and relentless pursuit of victory.
One of Makhachev’s most notable performances was his victory over Drew Dober in March 2021. Makhachev displayed his grappling superiority, executing takedowns with ease and transitioning seamlessly from one submission attempt to another. Despite Dober’s best efforts, Makhachev’s grappling was simply on another level. This dominant performance earned Makhachev a Performance of the Night bonus and solidified his status as a top contender in the lightweight division.
Makhachev’s evolution as a fighter is also evident in his striking game. He has displayed significant improvement in his striking accuracy and power, making him a dangerous threat both on the feet and on the ground. His growth as a well-rounded fighter has allowed him to dictate the pace of his fights and impose his will on his opponents.
In addition to his technical skills, Makhachev possesses a strong mental game. He has showcased exceptional composure and focus inside the octagon, never letting his emotions get the better of him. This mental strength has been crucial in allowing him to execute his game plan flawlessly and overcome obstacles during fights.
With his impressive performances and undeniable potential, Makhachev is quickly becoming a fan favorite and highly regarded within the MMA community. Many experts and fellow fighters have even drawn comparisons between Makhachev and his long-time training partner, Khabib Nurmagomedov, who is considered one of the greatest lightweight champions in MMA history.
Makhachev’s rise in the lightweight division has already caught the attention of top-ranked fighters, and he is currently slated to face Thiago Moises in his next bout. This will be yet another opportunity for Makhachev to showcase his skills and solidify his contender status.
While it may be premature to crown Makhachev as a future champion, there is no denying the immense potential he possesses. He has consistently shown growth and improvement in all aspects of his game, and his dominant performances leave little doubt about his capabilities. As he continues to evolve as a fighter, the MMA world eagerly watches Islam Makhachev’s journey, wondering if he will indeed become the next champion in the lightweight division.