As Khabib Nurmagomedov gracefully exited the UFC stage, capturing the lightweight title, the question on every MMA enthusiast’s mind was, “Who will be the next Khabib?” Well, the wait may finally be over as an emerging star named Islam Makhachev has been making waves in the lightweight division, leading many to believe he could be the heir to Khabib’s throne. But how similar or different is Makhachev from his famous compatriot?
Born on September 27, 1991, in Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia, just like Khabib, Islam Makhachev shares a similar cultural background and fighting style. Both fighters hail from the renowned Akhmat Fight Club, which has been instrumental in producing a stream of ferocious fighters. Additionally, Makhachev has often been spotted training alongside Khabib, absorbing his wisdom and techniques, which has undoubtedly had an impact on his development as a fighter.
In terms of fighting style, Makhachev possesses the same relentless grappling approach as his mentor. He has a strong Sambo background, a martial art in which Khabib excelled. Makhachev’s wrestling prowess is exceptional, and he seamlessly transitions from takedowns to ground control, overwhelming his opponents with a relentless ground-and-pound game. His control and smothering style of grappling forces his opponents to surrender, much like Khabib’s patented chain of takedowns and submission attempts.
However, while their similarities are striking, Makhachev has a unique fighting style that sets him apart from Khabib. Makhachev displays more versatility in his striking game. He has a crisp and technical striking repertoire, often utilizing a diverse range of strikes with excellent accuracy. Though not as powerfully devastating as Khabib’s ground-and-pound assault, Makhachev’s striking prowess adds another layer of danger to his skill set, making him a multifaceted threat.
Makhachev has amassed an impressive 20-1 record, with his only loss coming early in his career. Similar to Khabib, a significant part of his dominance stems from his mindset and unwavering determination in the cage. Like a true Dagestani warrior, Makhachev possesses an indomitable spirit and an unmatched work ethic, qualities that have become synonymous with Dagestani fighters. These attributes, combined with his technical skills, make him a formidable force to be reckoned with.
It is also worth noting that Makhachev has found success in the UFC lightweight division, much like Khabib. He has been steadily climbing up the rankings, and his victories against skilled opponents have garnered attention from both fans and critics alike. With each win, the hype surrounding Makhachev grows stronger, making him a legitimate contender for the lightweight belt.
In conclusion, while Islam Makhachev undeniably shares numerous similarities with his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov, he also possesses unique qualities that differentiate him from the retired UFC star. Makhachev’s versatile striking skills, coupled with his relentless grappling style reminiscent of Khabib’s, make him a compelling and exciting fighter to watch. As he continues to climb the ranks, it is clear that Makhachev has all the ingredients to become the next Khabib in the lightweight division. Only time will tell if he can fill Khabib’s shoes entirely, but one thing is for sure – Makhachev is well on his way to leaving his indelible mark on the MMA world.