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Islam Makhachev is the next big thing in the UFC lightweight division. The Dagestani grappler is tipped by MMA fans and experts to capture the lightweight gold soon. Makhachev often draws comparisons with his teammate and former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov for dominating their competition ruthlessly.
Islam Makhachev has drawn praise from many who believe he could be the next Khabib Nurmagomedov. While Islam does have the makings of a potential UFC lightweight champion, he needs to rise through the rankings if he is to earn a title shot. The #9-ranked lightweight's next fight against Thiago Moises at UFC Vegas 31 can surely help him move up the 155-pound ladder.
Ahead of the all-important fight, let us look at some interesting facts about Islam Makhachev that UFC fans must know.
#5. Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov went to the same school
Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov have a long history. At a young age, the 29-year-old joined Khabib to train under the tutelage of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. He now trains at the American Kickboxing Academy, where UFC legend and former champion Daniel Cormier is also a coach.
Since his retirement, Khabib Nurmagomedov has spent much of his time cornering Islam Makhachev and training him, along with other fighters at AKA. Makhachev is often seen receiving advice from 'The Eagle' during his UFC bouts.
Replying to a question on whether he receives more advice from Khabib or his coach Javier Mendez, Makhachev said:
"I think Khabib, because.. they come between rounds (and) they have one minute. Khabib tells (Javier), 'Hey, I have 30 seconds, I'm gonna say what I want but you're next.' But, you know, Khabib has more experience in this game, that's why I think he understands more."
Since their childhood, Makhachev and Khabib have been like brothers and they clearly share a close bond. Their close relationship is obvious thanks to how 'The Eagle' roots for his partner during his fights and celebrates his wins.
Also Read: UFC Vegas 31: 5 names to look out for.
#4. Islam Makhachev is the least hit fighter in UFC history
Islam Makhachev is known for his grappling, especially considering his combat sambo background. However, his stand-up IQ is also one of the best in all of UFC. With 0.77 strikes absorbed per minute, he holds the rare accolade for being the least hit fighter per minute in UFC history.
Islam Makhachev is miles ahead of UFC champions like Charles Oliveira, Israel Adesanya, and Kamaru Usman in that statistic. He has lost only once in his 11-year long MMA career, which came when he was knocked out by Adriano Martins at UFC 192.
In his last fight, Islam Makhachev submitted Drew Dober in round three after landing a total of 102 strikes and three takedowns. In return, he was hit only 14 times by Dober. In fact, before UFC 259, the Dagestani absorbed just 131 strikes in a total of five fights.
Also Read: "His overall game is slightly better than Khabib's" - Javier Mendez tips Islam Makhachev for greatness.
#3. Islam Makhachev has the second-longest active winning streak in the UFC lightweight division
Islam Makhachev made his UFC debut in 2015 with a submission win over Leo Kuntz. His next fight came against Adriano Martins, against which Makhachev suffered an upset loss in round one via a knockout. However, he bounced back right after and has, since his sole MMA loss, gone on a seven-fight winning streak.
Islam Makhachev has picked up two submissions, one knockout and four decision wins on his way to his active seven-fight winning streak. His most notable victories have come against Glieson Tibau, Arman Tsaryukan and Drew Dober. In achieving the streak, Islam Makhachev tied the record for the second-longest active winning streak in the UFC lightweight division, level with Beneil Dariush.
UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira has the longest active winning streak in the division, with nine wins in a row. A win against Thiago Moises at UFC Vegas 31 will put Islam Makhachev ahead of Dariush and closer to 'Do Bronx'.
#2. Islam Makhachev is one of the best grapplers in the UFC lightweight division
It only makes sense that Islam Makhachev is one of the best grapplers in the UFC, since he is compared to Khabib so much. Having spent a lifetime under the tutelage of Khabib's father Abdulmanap, Makhachev has become dominant in the craft that the Dagestanis are usually known for.
Islam Makhachev's takedown accuracy is the highest in the UFC lightweight division at 68%. Other grapplers in the division, such as Charles Oliveira and Tony Ferguson, don't even come close. The Dagestani wrestler has totaled eight takedowns in his last five outings. Out of 19 career wins, Islam has eight submissions (three in the UFC).
Islam Makhachev is also one of the best defensive grapplers in the division, with a 68% takedown defense. The only fighter in the top ten of the UFC lightweight division who beats Makhachev in this department is Kevin Lee at 75%. Makhachev has been taken down only once in his entire MMA career, which was against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC Fight Night 149.
Watch Islam Makhachev wrestle with Daniel Cormier at AKA:
Also Read: 'He is my big brother' - Islam Makhachev reacts to comparisons with Khabib Nurmagomedov.
#1. UFC lightweights are afraid of fighting Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev is a promising lightweight fighter who would be in the top five of the UFC division by now if his competition wasn't afraid of him. Makhachev's coach Javier Mendez has revealed that most fighters in the UFC consider Makhachev a tough fight to take on. Mendez said:
"Islam is having a hell of a time getting opponents because nobody wants to fight him."
The only fighters willing to fight Islam Makhachev are either ranked lower than him or are unranked. Top-tier fighters avoid him mainly because of the high risk and low reward involved in such a fight.
Former UFC lightweight Paul Felder revealed that he was afraid to fight Makhachev when he was presented with the opportunity. Felder said:
"There are certain guys in the division, where.. when you get that phone call, you go 'Ah, man'. Because you know what you're in for, right? You fight a guy like Islam, you might as well just be fighting his teammate, who is one of the greatest of all time, Khabib.. Khabib is putting him over all the time saying that this kid (Islam), not only can wrestle like that, but his stand-up is on point, which he didn't have to show, really, in that fight because his wrestling is so dominant. And as a wrestler, you see this kid wrestle and go like, 'god damn, this kid is good'."
