Islam Makhachev: A UFC Force
Islam Makhachev has emerged as one of the most dominant forces in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight division. Hailing from Dagestan, Russia, and training under the tutelage of former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev has cultivated a formidable reputation built on relentless grappling, suffocating top control, and a steadily improving striking game.
Makhachev’s path to the UFC was paved with success in various regional promotions. He quickly established himself as a fighter to watch upon entering the organization. His early UFC career showcased his grappling prowess, securing numerous victories via submission or dominant ground-and-pound. While initially criticized for his perceived lack of exciting finishes, Makhachev steadily refined his striking, adding power and precision to complement his already elite wrestling.
The turning point in Makhachev’s career came with a ten-fight win streak that propelled him into title contention. This impressive run included victories over seasoned veterans such as Drew Dober, Thiago Moises, and Dan Hooker, demonstrating his ability to overcome a variety of fighting styles. His victory against Bobby Green further solidified his position, showcasing his striking evolution and ability to control the fight’s pace.
Makhachev’s ultimate test arrived at UFC 280 when he faced Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title. In a highly anticipated clash, Makhachev displayed a calculated and dominant performance. He neutralized Oliveira’s submission threats, controlled the grappling exchanges, and ultimately finished the fight with an arm-triangle choke, capturing the UFC lightweight championship.
His first title defense came against Alexander Volkanovski, the reigning featherweight champion. Despite Volkanovski’s valiant effort and impressive performance, Makhachev secured a hard-fought unanimous decision victory, silencing doubters and proving his ability to adapt and overcome adversity. A subsequent rematch against Volkanovski saw Makhachev secure a decisive first-round knockout, definitively establishing his dominance in the division.
Makhachev’s fighting style is characterized by his exceptional wrestling, often drawing comparisons to his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov. He utilizes relentless takedowns, suffocating top control, and a diverse range of submission attacks to control his opponents. His striking, once considered a weakness, has significantly improved, making him a more well-rounded and dangerous fighter. Offensively, he blends his striking and takedown attempts seamlessly to keep his opponents guessing. Defensively, he is adept at avoiding damage and controlling distance. Makhachev’s future in the UFC lightweight division looks incredibly promising, with numerous potential challengers vying for the opportunity to dethrone the dominant champion.