Since 2015, the UFC has seen the rise of a young fighter from Russia. Here we are not talking about Khabib Nurmagomedov but one of his students, Islam Makhachev. Just like his trainer, he also became the UFC lightweight champion and has remained undefeated for 13 consecutive fights. He became the champion in October 2022 and has defended his title in two fights. Recently, Makhachev said that he would love to have three fights in 2024 and has indirectly challenged all the top 5 lightweight division fighters.
Here is what Islam Makhachev tweeted:
Arman, Dustin, Justin, Charles they all good, they’re TOP 5 in the world, but none of them will get the belt, while I’m here. That’s it! @ufc @espnmma
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) December 6, 2024
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Current UFC lightweight rankings
- Islam Makhachev (Champion)
- Charles Oliveira
- Justin Gaethje
- Dustin Poirier
- Arman Tsarukyan
- Michael Chandler
As of now, Makhachev has defeated Charles Oliveria and is yet to face the other fighters. This clearly means he would love to face other fighters and prove to everyone that he is the best fighter, Khabib Nurmagomedov, in the UFC.
So far, both his title defenses have come against Alexander Volkanovski, and during the first title defense, he almost lost his title but won it by decision. Well, when it was a rematch and he knocked Volkanovski out, he proved to everyone why he is the UFC Lightweight Champion.
But to have a legacy like his coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov, he has to defeat the top fighters of his division and remain undefeated. Can Makhachev have a championship reign like Nurmagomedov, or will other fighters stop him? For that, we have to wait for a while. Till then, let us have a look at some fast facts about Makhachev.
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Fast Facts
- Full name: Islam Ramazanovich Makhachev
- Date of birth: October 27, 1991
- Age: 32 years old
- Nationality: Russian
- Height: 5 feet, 10 inches
- Weight: 155 lbs (70 kg)
- Reach: 70 inches (178 cm)
- Fighting style: Combat sambo
- Trainers: Khabib Nurmagomedov and Javier Mendez
- UFC record: 14-1-0
- Years active: 2010-present
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