Results for: Islam Makhachev

Ali Abdelaziz, the manager of both Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov, recently discussed the ongoing debate surrounding who would win in a fight between the two Dagestani fighters. While Abdelaziz did not provide a direct answer, he hinted that Khabib Nurmagomedov could potentially defeat Makhachev due to his revolutionary impact on the sport and his continued MMA training despite being retired. Abdelaziz also emphasized that Nurmagomedov would never return to competition, but that his legacy continues through Makhachev.

UFC lightweight Dustin Poirier will face Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 in his third attempt to capture the 155-pound title. Poirier has previously fallen short against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira, but remains one of the most talented fighters in the division. Makhachev is a highly regarded wrestler and grappler, making him a formidable opponent for Poirier. However, Poirier may have improved his takedown defense and ground game since his loss to Nurmagomedov in 2014.

Former opponent Dan Hooker believes Khabib Nurmagomedov was a more well-rounded fighter than his successor, Islam Makhachev. Hooker, who faced Makhachev in 2021, said Nurmagomedov had better skills and fighting acumen.

Four years after his retirement from fighting, Khabib Nurmagomedov continues to maintain that he will never return to the sport. This was confirmed by his long-time coach, Javier Mendez, in a heartfelt Instagram post. Nurmagomedov and Mendez now work together as coaches to fighters from Dagestan. While there has been speculation about Nurmagomedov becoming more involved in Islam Makhachev’s camp, it remains unclear if he will corner Makhachev in his upcoming fight against Dustin Poirier.

Arman Tsarukyan, after defeating Charles Oliveira at UFC 300, declined a title fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 302. This decision drew criticism from Michael Chandler, prompting Tsarukyan to respond, accusing Chandler of prioritizing money over legacy and referencing his long wait for a lucrative fight against Conor McGregor. When Dustin Poirier filled in for the injured Islam Makhachev on ‘The MMA Hour’ podcast, he shared his take on Tsarukyan’s stance. However, Makhachev himself took a shot at the Armenian, expressing no surprise at Tsarukyan’s decision, citing his previous rejections and stating that he saw it coming.

UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev has set his sights on a new dream fight and revealed his game plan for his upcoming title defense against Dustin Poirier. Makhachev, who previously aspired to retire Tony Ferguson, now aims to move up to welterweight and challenge Leon Edwards for the 170lbs gold. The 32-year-old athlete, who has established himself as the king of lightweight, has expressed his desire to become a two-division champion, following the footsteps of fighters like Sean O’Malley and Alex Pereira. Makhachev’s game plan against Poirier involves maintaining distance and avoiding the guillotine choke, a move that Poirier is both known for and has fallen victim to in the past.