Islam Makhachev, the rising star of the lightweight division in the UFC, has been making waves with his unmatched grappling skills. Hailing from the fighting hotbed of Dagestan, Russia, Makhachev is a true masterclass in the art of grappling.
Makhachev burst onto the MMA scene by winning the gold medal at the 2016 World Sambo Championships in Moscow. Sambo, a Russian martial art that blends elements of judo and wrestling, forms the foundation of Makhachev’s ground game. His expertise in sambo has translated seamlessly into his MMA career, making him a force to be reckoned with on the ground.
One aspect that sets Makhachev apart from his contemporaries is his extraordinary control of the fight once he takes it to the mat. He possesses the innate ability to dictate the pace and position of a grappling exchange, leaving his opponents puzzled and overwhelmed.
One of his trademark grappling moves is the ankle pick takedown. Makhachev’s timing and accuracy when executing this technique is nothing short of impressive. With lightning-fast reflexes and a deep understanding of his opponent’s movement, he can snatch the ankle and bring his adversary crashing to the canvas in the blink of an eye.
Once on the ground, Makhachev’s smothering top control becomes evident. His exceptional understanding of weight distribution allows him to effortlessly keep his opponents down while neutralizing their attempts to escape. Whether it’s using his legs to trap his opponent’s arms or applying constant pressure to sap their energy, Makhachev is relentless in maintaining dominant position.
The Dagestani fighter’s grappling repertoire extends beyond ground control and into the territory of submission mastery. Makhachev boasts an impressive array of submission finishes, including the seldom seen kneebar and the ever-dangerous rear-naked choke. He can seamlessly transition between different submissions, a testament to his versatility and technical prowess.
While many fighters excel in either offensive or defensive grappling, Makhachev showcases dexterity in both aspects. His defensive grappling is on par with his offensive skills, allowing him to seamlessly weather storms while neutralizing his opponent’s attacks. It’s this combination of solid offense and impeccable defense that makes Makhachev such a formidable opponent on the ground.
Makhachev’s commitment to the art of grappling extends beyond his singular talent. Training alongside his mentor and close friend, the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, he has honed his grappling skills to perfection. The pair pushes each other to reach new heights, constantly evolving and refining their skills in a quest for mastery.
As the lightweight division continues to grow and evolve, grapple-heavy fighters like Makhachev are becoming increasingly prominent. His dominance on the ground, coupled with his ever-improving striking, make him a legitimate threat to anyone in the division. With each fight, Makhachev further solidifies his status as one of the most promising fighters in the UFC.
So, while the striking game often steals the spotlight in MMA, it is essential not to overlook the mastery of grappling that Islam Makhachev brings to the octagon. His unrelenting ground game, honed through years of sambo training and refined under the tutelage of Khabib Nurmagomedov, showcases an exquisite blend of control, submission prowess, and defensive skills. As the star continues to rise for the Dagestani, it is clear that grappling aficionados have much to rejoice for in witnessing Islam Makhachev’s performances.