Islam Makhachev, a Dagestani mixed martial artist, has ascended to the pinnacle of the lightweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), currently holding the undisputed championship. Born in Makhachkala, Dagestan, a region renowned for its wrestling pedigree, Makhachev’s journey to MMA stardom began early, fueled by a deep-rooted culture of combat sports and the influence of his close friend and mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Makhachev’s grappling prowess is the cornerstone of his fighting style. His exceptional wrestling, relentless takedowns, and suffocating top control are reminiscent of Nurmagomedov’s dominance. Opponents find it incredibly difficult to escape his grip once he secures a takedown, often spending entire rounds defending submission attempts and absorbing ground-and-pound. His sambo background further enhances his grappling arsenal, making him a formidable force on the mat.
Beyond his wrestling, Makhachev has significantly improved his striking under the tutelage of Javier Mendez at the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA). While not as flashy as some other lightweights, his striking is calculated, efficient, and designed to set up his takedowns. He utilizes a strong jab, powerful overhand rights, and tactical kicks to keep opponents guessing and create openings for his grappling attacks.
Makhachev’s UFC career started in 2015, initially marked by impressive wins showcasing his grappling dominance. A surprising knockout loss to Adriano Martins briefly derailed his momentum, but he quickly rebounded, embarking on a remarkable winning streak that solidified his position as a top contender. Key victories over Bobby Green, Dan Hooker, and Thiago Moisés demonstrated his evolution and cemented his status as a legitimate threat to the lightweight throne.
The culmination of Makhachev’s journey came at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi, where he faced Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight championship. In a highly anticipated matchup, Makhachev showcased his complete skillset, dominating Oliveira on the feet and eventually submitting him with an arm-triangle choke in the second round. This victory not only crowned him champion but also served as a symbolic passing of the torch from Nurmagomedov, who had retired undefeated and coached Makhachev throughout his career.
Since winning the title, Makhachev has faced tough challenges, including a hard-fought victory against Alexander Volkanovski, the reigning featherweight champion, in a closely contested fight. He later defeated Volkanovski again in a more dominant fashion, and then defeated Dustin Poirier, further solidifying his claim as the best lightweight in the world and one of the sport’s pound-for-pound greats. Makhachev’s disciplined approach, relentless pressure, and ever-improving skillset make him a daunting challenge for any opponent. His reign as champion promises to be a fascinating chapter in the history of the UFC lightweight division, as he continues to evolve and defend his title against the division’s elite.
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