Islam Makhachev: The Rise of a UFC Champion

From a 500-Person School Brawl to UFC Champion

Islam Makhachev recently recounted a massive schoolyard fight in Dagestan where roughly 500 students on each side clashed, and his side was losing against older opponents. Khabib Nurmagomedov, three years his senior, arrived with friends and turned the tide, causing the rival group to flee. This story highlights the early bond between Makhachev and Khabib and the gritty environment that forged Makhachev's resilience.

“We were too young, but on the other side they had older guys, so we struggled against them. We needed some fire,” Makhachev told Red Corner MMA. “Then Khabib and some of his friends — Hussein, Musa — joined us. Things turned our way and the other guys started running away.”

Makhachev (28-1) and the retired Nurmagomedov (29-0) grew up in the mountains of Dagestan, a region known for producing world-class grapplers who learned to handle themselves early.

Both fighters have spoken about street altercations being part of daily life growing up. According to Makhachev, the arrival of Nurmagomedov’s crew sent their rivals scrambling for cars while his own side gained confidence. The champ trains under Nurmagomedov’s coaching now and defends his title next at UFC 330 in September.

A Sambo-Based Style That Redefined Lightweight Dominance

Makhachev’s fighting style is rooted in Dagestani sambo, emphasizing relentless takedowns, top pressure, and ground control. He boasts a 13-fight win streak with multiple finishes, showcasing both striking improvements and suffocating grappling. His ability to neutralize elite strikers and grapplers alike makes him a matchup nightmare in the lightweight division.

Key aspects of his approach:

• Relentless chain wrestling that wears down opponents over five rounds.
• Improved boxing and head movement, demonstrated in his knockout of Alexander Volkanovski.
• Bottomless cardio, enabling him to maintain pressure from the first bell to the last.

Makhachev’s sambo-based style has set a new standard for lightweight dominance. He has absorbed the best elements of Khabib’s game while adding his own finishing instincts, making him a complete mixed martial artist.

Key Career Milestones: Title Win and Championship Defenses

Makhachev won the UFC lightweight title by submitting Charles Oliveira in October 2022, ending Oliveira’s reign. He defended the belt twice in 2023, defeating Alexander Volkanovski via unanimous decision and then via first-round knockout. His victories over top contenders like Thiago Moisés, Dan Hooker, and Bobby Green built his path to the title.

The championship timeline:

1. October 2022: Submission win over Charles Oliveira to capture the belt.
2. February 2023: Unanimous decision victory over Alexander Volkanovski in a closely contested bout.
3. October 2023: First-round knockout of Alexander Volkanovski, avenging any doubts from the first fight.

With 13 consecutive wins, Makhachev is on a historic run, potentially surpassing Khabib's legacy. He has consistently proven his versatility, beating a legendary grappler in Oliveira and an elite striker in Volkanovski.

Key Takeaways

• Islam Makhachev's journey from a school brawl in Dagestan to UFC champion highlights the importance of mentorship from Khabib Nurmagomedov.
• His sambo-based wrestling and ground control have set a new standard for dominance in the lightweight division.
• With 13 consecutive wins, Makhachev is on a historic run, potentially surpassing Khabib's legacy.
• He has successfully defended his title against top contenders, proving his versatility in striking and grappling.
• Makhachev's impact extends beyond his own career, as he represents the next generation of Dagestani fighters in the UFC.