There is a new force ruling the lightweight division of the UFC, and his name is Islam Makhachev. Hailing from Dagestan, Russia, Makhachev has quickly risen through the ranks with his unparalleled skill set and dominant performances inside the octagon.
Makhachev made his UFC debut in 2014, and since then, he has shown the world that he is a force to be reckoned with. With an impressive record of 21 wins and only 1 loss, Makhachev has showcased his superior grappling skills, relentless pressure, and a solid striking game that has left his opponents stunned.
One of Makhachev’s greatest strengths is his grappling ability. Trained under renowned coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who also trained Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev possesses an unstoppable ground game. His takedowns are flawless, and once he gets his opponents on the mat, he effortlessly transitions into dominant positions, putting them in constant danger.
But Makhachev is not just a one-dimensional fighter. He has continuously worked on improving his striking, and it has paid off. His stand-up game is crisp, accurate, and powerful, making him a formidable opponent in every aspect of the fight. He has shown an impressive ability to mix up strikes and throw devastating combinations that inflict damage to his opponents.
One of Makhachev’s most notable victories came against Drew Dober in March 2021. Makhachev showcased his dominance by overwhelming Dober in every round. He relentlessly pursued takedowns and landed damaging strikes, ultimately submitting Dober in the third round with an outstanding arm-triangle choke.
Makhachev’s style is reminiscent of his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, who retired as the undefeated lightweight champion. It is no surprise that Makhachev has been hailed as the next Khabib. His ability to control the fight, effortlessly transition from striking to grappling, and inflict damage on his opponents is reminiscent of the former champion.
While there is still a long way to go before Makhachev can claim the lightweight title, he has already proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with. His relentless pursuit of victory, unwavering work ethic, and technical precision make him a formidable opponent for anyone in the division.
As Makhachev continues to dominate the lightweight division, fans and critics alike are waiting eagerly to see how far he can go. With his unbeatable skills, it seems there is no stopping this rising star from Dagestan. The future of the lightweight division certainly looks bright with Islam Makhachev at the helm.