5 biggest points of difference between Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov

#2. Islam Makhacev has a knockout victory in the UFC.

It has become increasingly apparent that Islam Makhachev is a capable striker. Khabib's striking game improved at the tail-end of his career. While he did have significant power, he was never a technical striker. Makhachev has been working on his striking since the beginning.

It is evident by the fact that he has a KO victory over Gleison Tibau. Islam Makhachev fought Tibau at UFC 220. He KO'd the Brazilian within a minute into the contest with a devastating overhand right. It was a special victory because Tibau had given 'The Eagle' a tough time in the octagon.

Khabib Nurmagomedov fought the Brazilian back in 2012. He withstood Nurmagomedov's power and stuffed multiple takedown attempts. Few have ever managed to stop a takedown by 'The Eagle'.

The former lightweight champ was also unable to secure a KO in his thirteen UFC fights. Islam Makhachev did it in his fifth fight with the promotion.

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#1. Islam Makhachev has lost inside the octagon.

Khabib Nurmagomedov retired from MMA undefeated. Thirty times opponents tried to solve the puzzle but came up short. 'The Eagle' was a champion with an aura of invincibility. The former lightweight champion dominated everyone, even the best in the division.

Makhachev has already tasted defeat in the UFC against Adriano Martins. It was a standup fight while it lasted, and the Russian got KO'd in the very first round. Makhachev had his guard down as he swung wildly. Martins countered with a well-timed right hook and dropped him.

The loss was in 2015, and since then, Islam Makhachev has improved exponentially. His manager Ali Abeldaziz has even said:

"I think he is going to be one of the greatest fighters ever."

But his adversaries now know that the grappler's striking is a weak point. It's something Dan Hooker will look to capitalize on in their upcoming bout at UFC 267.