Islam Makhachev’s Brutal Sparring Leaves Teammate in “Pain” Ahead of His Title Defense at UFC 284

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is now in Perth training for his upcoming title defense against hometown hero and featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284. Makhachev will not have Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner for his fight. Islam Makhachev reportedly arrived a few weeks early in Australia. He had been training in Russia for months but decided to get accustomed to the Australian summer. It will be his first title defense since defeating Charles Oliveira and winning the title at UFC 280. Meanwhile, he was found leaving his training partner in pain after a grueling sparring session.

Makkasharip Zaynukov, who has an MMA record of 12 wins and 4 losses, has been training with the UFC lightweight champion. He trained under Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s Eagles MMA Academy. However, he was reeling in pain, taking on Islam Makhachev during training.

Islam Makhachev leaves Zaynukov in pain

Islam Makhachev and Makkasharip Zaynukov were reportedly training with each other en route to the Dagestani champion’s upcoming fight at UFC 284. A video was posted online asking Zaynukov about the sparring session with Makhachev. He said, “two rounds.” When asked whether Zaynukov was tired, he assured that he wasn’t.

The Eagles MMA academy graduate also claimed that his body was reeling in pain after sparring with Makhachev. “Pain, pain,” repeated Zaynukov. He also mentioned that they will be sparring again on Friday and probably go for three rounds.

Islam Makhachev is an excellent wrestler. He is known for going rough during training with his partners. During the build-up to the Charles Oliveira fight, the current lightweight champion put one of his sparring partners to sleep, rendering him unconscious. Makhachev is popular for using high-level submission techniques. While he was training in Dubai, Makhachev caught hold of his sparring partner in D’arce choke and put him to sleep.

READ MORE: “Will Islam Still Have That Chip on His Shoulder?”: Khabib Nurmagomedov Ditching Makhachev Before Volkanovski Fight Raises Serious Concerns in Henry Cejudo’s Mind

Islam Makhachev is now on a 10-fight win streak. It will be one of those rare occasions when Khabib Nurmagomedov will be absent from his fight. However, he believes that he will be able to manage it alone and mentioned that ‘The Eagle’ cannot always be with him. Makhachev and Volkanovski squared off on Sunday at Sydney for the first time. It is only a matter of time before we get to fight and find out who the superior fighter is.

WATCH THIS STORY: Khabib Nurmagomedov Thug Life Moments