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Islam Makhachev is tipped by many MMA experts as the next big thing in the UFC lightweight division. The Dagestani fighter, who is one of the most well-rounded lightweights on the roster, is known to scare off his competition even before joining them inside the octagon. Javier Mendez, who coaches Khabib's camp, believes Makhachev is a better striker than 'The Eagle' whilst also being just as good a grappler as the former champion.
Ranked ninth in the UFC lightweight division, it is argued that Islam Makhachev could've been in the top five by now if his competition wasn't afraid of him. Despite having one loss in his MMA career, which came via a knockout, the 29-year-old is the least-hit fighter in the UFC. However, the lightweight division is full of killers, some of whom are quite capable of giving the Dagestani a difficult time. Let's take a look at five UFC lightweights who can put an end to Islam Makhachev's hype train.
#5. Michael Chandler
Michael Chandler is a former three-time Bellator lightweight champion who has immense experience fighting MMA fighters of all styles. He enjoyed a meteoric rise in the UFC after knocking out Dan Hooket on his debut. 'Iron' has proven his knockout power and striking prowess by picking up 10 KO/TKO wins in his MMA career, a decade of which he spent with Bellator.
However, Michael Chandler is also an acclaimed grappler. He is an NCAA Division I All-American, known for his takedown defense and wrestling IQ. Chandler has seven submission wins in his career. His reversal after coming dangerously close to a rear-naked choke against Charles Oliveira at UFC 262 was enough to demonstrate the skill he possesses on the floor.
He also went on record to say that he could knockout Khabib Nurmagomedov. With the former UFC champion retired, Islam Makhachev comes closest to bringing the grueling Dagestani fighting style that 'The Eagle' possessed.
Michael Chandler can provide a tough challenge to Islam Makhachev, both in the stand-up realm and on the floor. He has never lost a single fight via submission, which could make things really interesting if this match-up takes place. The #4-ranked UFC lightweight is capable of defeating the seemingly unstoppable force.
Also Read: 5 things you need to know about Islam Makhachev, the next big thing in the UFC lightweight division.
#4. Justin Gaethje
Justin Gaethje could prove to be another extremely tough match-up for Islam Makhachev. The former UFC interim lightweight champion is among the fighters with the highest power inside the octagon. With a takedown defense that is 69% efficient and an average of 7.46 strikes landed per minute, he can be a nightmare for Islam Makhachev.
Justin Gaethje is an NCAA Division I All-American who started wrestling when he was four years old, just like the Dagestani bunch. However, he rarely looks for takedowns and has a reputation for pressing his opponents with relentless striking. The only time he submitted an opponent was in 2012, and he has only one submission loss as well, which came against Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254.
'The Highlight' has finished 19 of his 22 wins by knockout and has received bonuses in seven of them in the UFC. If put against Islam Makhachev, he could definitely ruin the record held by the Russian for being the least-hit fighter in the UFC.
Justin Gaethje has also tasted what it is like to go against a tough Dagestani wrestler, and can certainly use that experience against Islam Makhachev.
Also Read: Islam Makhachev reveals why Khabib Nurmagomedov and he don't fight for money.
#3. Dustin Poirier
Dustin Poirier is certainly in the debate for one of the best UFC lightweights ever, and is currently proving it by sitting at the top contender spot in the division. The #6-ranked UFC pound-for-pound fighter is a seasoned striker and is considered one of the best boxers in the organization. Being a southpaw, Poirier can give Islam Makhachev all sorts of puzzles to solve inside the octagon during a stand-up battle.
'The Diamond' has also proven himself to be a grappler and a wrestler. He has spent a lot of time inside the octagon submitting his opponents and defending submissions. Dustin Poirier has seven submission wins in his MMA career, three of which have come in the UFC. He defeated former UFC champion Max Holloway via a triangle armbar in 2012.
He has solid fundamentals in the grappling department, which he has displayed quite a few times. The scary guillotine attempt on Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 242 and a guillotine escape against Conor McGregor at UFC 264 can be taken as prime examples.
Dustin Poirier is next in line for the title shot, and defeating #9-ranked Islam Makhachev is certainly something the Louisiana native is capable of.
Also Read: 5 reasons why Dustin Poirier is the best lightweight in the world at the moment.
#2. Tony Ferguson
Tony Ferguson is currently on a three-fight losing streak, but MMA fans know better than to write him off, even against a fighter like Islam Makhachev. The UFC veteran is a former interim champion and one of the toughest fighters in the history of the organization.
'El Cucuy' is right up there with the likes of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev when it comes to cardio. He was considered the only man in the UFC who had a healthy chance at defeating 'The Eagle' during the former UFC 155-pound champion's reign. The best chance for Tony Ferguson to immortalize his legacy is by defeating the one closest to Khabib, Islam Makhachev.
Islam Makhachev has given the fight against Tony Ferguson a thought as well, and has said that he wants to retire the MMA legend. However, we don't think the feat is going to be a simple one. It wasn't long back that 'El Cucuy' was destroying his competition left, right, and center, building a 12-fight winning streak in the UFC.
With 12 knockouts and eight submission wins, Tony Ferguson is one of the most well-rounded and deadly fighters that Islam Makhachev can face inside the octagon.
Also Read: 5 potential opponents for UFC lightweight star Islam Makhachev.
#1. Charles Oliveira
It's going to take more than a reputation for being a dangerous fighter for Islam Makhachev to defeat the reigning UFC lightweight champion. Charles Oliveira is one of the most hardworking fighters in the UFC and he's overcome all sorts of adversities to be where he is now.
The Brazilian is one of the best grapplers in MMA, and the way he has toyed with his competition, including Tony Ferguson, is a glaring testimony to his mastery.
Charles Oliveira has 19 submission wins in his career. But that doesn't make him any weaker in striking, as his nine knockout wins have come against some of the most decorated strikers. 'Do Bronx' currently has the longest active winning streak in the UFC lightweight division. In an encounter against Islam Makhachev, the Brazilian is more likely to extend his momentum than to break it.
While Oliveira is as well-versed in striking and grappling as Islam Makhachev, he is miles ahead of the Dagestani in experience. He can certainly put an end to Islam Makhachev's hype train if the pair collide later down the line.
