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#4. Islam Makhachev is not easy to hit
Islam Makhachev has solid fundamentals to his stand-up game. While known for his grappling, the No.5-ranked UFC lightweight likes to switch it up and trade punches just as much. The main reason behind this is his sound defense. Islam Makhachev is the least-hit fighter across all divisions in the UFC.
He absorbs an average of just 0.77 significant strikes per minute, which is much less than some of the greatest boxers in the UFC. In his most recent bout against Thiago Moises, Islam Makhachev landed a total of 61 significant strikes while absorbing only 13. Three of his previous opponents, Drew Dober, Davi Ramos and Arman Tsarukyan, could land a cumulative total of just 30 significant strikes on Islam Makhachev.
While the 29-year-old has suffered a knockout loss in his MMA career against Adriano Martins, it doesn't seem like something that will be repeated anytime soon. The Russian fighter is not an easy man to hit and that makes him a difficult puzzle to solve, even for the top strikers in the division. If Islam Makhachev takes the UFC lightweight gold, it is not going to be easy to dethrone him.
#3. Islam Makhachev's grappling is on Khabib Nurmagomedov's level
MMA fighters of Dagestani origin have proven to be excellent grapplers, with the prime example being Khabib Nurmagomedov. The former UFC 155-pound champion is undefeated despite coming face-to-face with some of the most lethal strikers and grapplers in the division. All of his opponents credited 'The Eagle' for his toughness, speed and efficiency on the floor.
Islam Makhachev is no different. Having trained with Khabib Nurmagomedov under the tutelage of the the former champ's father Abdulmanap since childhood, the No.5-ranked UFC lightweight is a highly skilled grappler. He is a multi-time combat sambo champion, who is going at it with some of the most-skilled wrestlers in the gym on a daily basis.
With a 68% takedown accuracy and 75% takedown defense, Islam Makhachev is the best grappler in the lightweight division, and one of the best in the UFC.
He has nine submission wins in his MMA career, with three of those coming in his last six fights in the UFC. Coupled with the endurance and cardio for which fighters of his camp are known, Makhachev is a scary force inside the octagon.
