Islam Makhachev is a Russian professional mixed martial artist who competes in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He is known for his impressive grappling skills and has been making waves in the UFC since his debut in 2013. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of Islam Makhachev most notable fights.
Top Submissions in Islam Makhachev’s Career
In addition to his impressive striking and wrestling skills, Islam Makhachev is also known for his submission abilities. Here are some of his most notable submissions:
+ Arm-triangle choke against Charles Oliveira at UFC 280
+ Kimura against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC Fight Night 149
+ Rear-naked choke against Kajan Johnson at UFC Fight Night 94
+ Armbar against Leo Kuntz at UFC Fight Night 91
These submissions showcase Makhachev’s versatility as a grappler and his ability to finish fights in a variety of ways. His arm-triangle choke against Oliveira was particularly impressive, as it forced the former champion to tap out and handed Makhachev his first UFC title.
Makhachev’s submission skills are a testament to his dedication to the sport and his commitment to honing his craft. He has spent countless hours training and perfecting his grappling techniques, and it shows in his ability to finish fights against top-level opponents.
Charles Oliveira vs Islam Makhachev
One of the most anticipated fights in Makhachev’s career was his bout against Charles Oliveira for the UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 280 on October 22, 2022. Oliveira, the former champion, was looking to regain his title, while Makhachev was aiming to capture his first UFC championship.
The fight was a clash of styles, with Oliveira known for his submission skills and Makhachev for his dominant grappling. In the first round, both fighters showcased their strengths, with Oliveira landing some heavy strikes and Makhachev attempting to take the fight to the ground. However, it was Makhachev who landed the more significant blows, rocking Oliveira with a series of punches.
In the second round, Makhachev continued to pressure Oliveira, repeatedly taking him down and threatening with submissions. Midway through the round, Makhachev secured an arm-triangle choke and forced Oliveira to tap out. This victory cemented Makhachev’s status as one of the top lightweights in the UFC and earned him his first UFC title.
The fight was a testament to Makhachev’s skill and determination, as he overcame a tough opponent in Oliveira to capture the UFC Lightweight Championship. Many analysts and fans believe that this win will open up new opportunities for Makhachev, who could potentially face off against other top lightweights or even move up in weight class to challenge for another title.
Alexander Volkanovski vs Islam Makhachev
Another potential matchup for Makhachev is a fight against Alexander Volkanovski, the current UFC Featherweight Champion. Volkanovski has expressed interest in moving up to lightweight to challenge Makhachev for his title, and many fans and analysts believe this would be an exciting and competitive fight.
Volkanovski is known for his well-rounded skills and his ability to adapt to different styles. He has proven himself to be one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the UFC, and a fight against Makhachev would be a true test of his skills. Volkanovski’s striking and wrestling abilities would likely pose a significant challenge for Makhachev, who would need to rely on his grappling and submission skills to gain an advantage
A fight between Makhachev and Volkanovski would be a highly anticipated matchup, as it would pit two of the UFC’s top champions against each other in a battle for lightweight supremacy. The fight would likely generate significant interest from fans and media, and could potentially be one of the biggest fights of the year if it were to happen.
Islam Makhachev vs Drew Dober
One of Makhachev’s most recent fights was against Drew Dober at UFC 259 on March 6, 2021. Dober was coming off an impressive win streak and was looking to continue his momentum against Makhachev.
The fight was a dominant performance by Makhachev, who won via TKO (punches) in the third round. Makhachev showcased his impressive grappling skills throughout the fight, repeatedly taking Dober down and threatening with submissions. In the third round, Makhachev landed a series of heavy strikes that forced the referee to stop the fight.
This win further solidified Makhachev’s status as one of the top lightweights in the UFC and set him up for a potential title shot in the near future. Dober, on the other hand, suffered a setback in his quest to break into the UFC’s elite lightweight division.
The fight against Dober was an important step in Makhachev’s journey to the top of the lightweight rankings. By defeating a tough and experienced opponent like Dober, Makhachev demonstrated that he had the skills and the determination to compete with the best lightweights in the world. This win, combined with his other impressive performances, helped to establish Makhachev as a legitimate contender for the UFC Lightweight Championship.
Islam Makhachev vs Dan Hooker
Another notable fight in Makhachev’s career was his bout against Dan Hooker at UFC 267 on October 30, 2021. Hooker was a tough and experienced opponent who had faced some of the best lightweights in the UFC.
The fight was a showcase of Makhachev’s grappling skills, as he dominated Hooker on the ground throughout the fight. In the first round, Makhachev secured multiple takedowns and threatened with submissions, while Hooker struggled to find his footing on the ground.
In the second and third rounds, Makhachev continued to control the fight, landing heavy strikes and maintaining dominant positions on the ground. Despite Hooker’s best efforts to defend and escape, Makhachev’s grappling prowess was too much for him to handle. In the end, Makhachev won the fight via unanimous decision, further cementing his status as one of the top lightweights in the UFC.
The fight against Hooker was another important step in Makhachev’s rise to the top of the lightweight division. By defeating a tough and experienced opponent like Hooker, Makhachev demonstrated that he had the skills and the stamina to compete at the highest level. This win, combined with his other impressive performances, helped to establish Makhachev as a legitimate contender for the UFC Lightweight Championship.
Conclusion
Islam Makhachev has quickly become one of the most exciting and dominant lightweights in the UFC. His impressive grappling skills, combined with his striking and wrestling abilities, make him a formidable opponent for any fighter in the division.
As Makhachev continues to climb the ranks and defend his UFC Lightweight Championship, fans can expect to see more exciting fights and impressive performances from this talented Russian fighter. Whether he faces off against fellow champions like Volkanovski or takes on top contenders in the lightweight division, Makhachev has proven that he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level of MMA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Islam Makhachev’s current UFC record?
As of February 2023, Islam Makhachev’s UFC record stands at 23 wins and 1 loss.
Who was Islam Makhachev’s toughest opponent?
Many consider Charles Oliveira to be Islam Makhachev’s toughest opponent to date, given Oliveira’s impressive submission skills and experience as a former UFC Lightweight Champion.
What is Islam Makhachev’s signature move?
Islam Makhachev is known for his dominant grappling and wrestling skills, but he doesn’t have a single signature move. He has finished fights with a variety of submissions, including the arm-triangle choke, kimura, and rear-naked choke.
When is Islam Makhachev next fights?
As of February 2023, <strong>Islam Makhachev next fights have not been announced. However, given his status as the current UFC Lightweight Champion, fans can expect to see him defend his title soon.
How does Islam Makhachev’s fighting style compare to other top lightweights?
Islam Makhachev’s fighting style is heavily focused on grappling and wrestling, with a strong emphasis on securing takedowns and threatening with submissions. This sets him apart from some of the other top lightweights in the division, who may rely more heavily on striking or a well-rounded approach.
What is Islam Makhachev’s relationship with Khabib Nurmagomedov?
Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov are close friends and training partners. Nurmagomedov, a former UFC Lightweight Champion, has been a mentor to Makhachev and has helped to guide his career. Many fans and analysts believe that Makhachev’s success is in part due to the influence and guidance of Nurmagomedov.
How does Islam Makhachev’s fighting style translate to other weight classes?
While Makhachev has found great success at lightweight, his dominant grappling and wrestling skills could potentially translate well to other weight classes. Some analysts have speculated that Makhachev could move up to welterweight or even middleweight and still be a force to be reckoned with, given his size and strength.
Explore the thrilling fights of Islam Makhachev, including his epic battles against Charles Oliveira, Drew Dober, and Dan Hooker. Discover his top submissions and what sets him apart in the UFC lightweight division. Stay updated on Makhachev’s journey to greatness!”
