UFC lightweight king Islam Makhachev trains alongside Khabib Nurmagomedov and is known for his relentless wrestling skills. His natural talent in grappling has allowed him to secure most of his victories by controlling and overpowering opponents on the ground. However, throughout his UFC journey, the Dagestani has shown that he is also an elite striker.

Makhachev is all set to face Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 in what will be his record 4th title defense. The champion seemed to be ready for the challenge and seems has worked on his power. Such is his improvement that he has now overtaken Tom Aspinall in a particularly impressive feat, to the surprise of many.

Islam Makhachev and his jaw-dropping feat

Islam Makhachev isn’t typically recognized for his knockout power. Throughout his career, the Dagestani has secured just five knockouts, the most recent being in his rematch against Alexander Volkanovski. However, his coach Javier Mendez has frequently pointed out that Makhachev has serious striking skills.

For a long period, Francis Ngannou (129K) was renowned as one of the most powerful strikers in the UFC before his record was shattered by Alex Pereira (191K). Another notable name in terms of power is Tom Aspinall (44K) and surprisingly, Makhachev has overtaken the interim heavyweight king. Blackbelt MMA recently took to their Instagram account to share the news with the fans. The caption read, “Islam Makhachev hits 106k+ on a punching machine. He did double digit and + Tom Aspinall. The machine gotta be broken when Tom tested himself.” 

This is not the first time that the Dagestani fighter has shown the incredible strength he generates with his punches. Before his fight with Dustin Poirier, a video was uploaded on X by Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, captioning the footage, ”June 1 going down.” The clip showed the 33-year-old hyping himself up before landing a powerful left hook and taking his score to 973 on the punching machine.

However, the champion isn’t quite worried about all such records but is looking at the big picture ahead. He will be up against a fighter who is desperate to win back the belt from him. Despite recovering from a hand injury, the lightweight kingpin is not taking a step back from his training and is under the watchful eyes of Khabib Nurmagomedov who is known for his brutal training sessions. Makhachev knows that he needs to put in the work but wants Daniel Cormier to come and visit him for a rather funny reason. Let’s see what it is!

Islam Makhachev wants Daniel Cormier to control ‘The Eagle’ in his training camp

As expected, Khabib Nurmagomedov will play a significant role in training Islam and Umar Nurmagomedov for UFC 311 and will be in their respective corners on fight night. Known for his tough and demanding coaching style, the former lightweight champion pushes his fighters relentlessly during training. Aware of this, Makhachev recently sought help from Daniel Cormier to balance things out.

The reigning champion jokingly asked Cormier to step in and control Khabib. MMA Pros Pick shared a clip of their lighthearted exchange on their X account. During the video ‘DC’ said, “Khabib told me he is here. He told me to tell you guys to be ready.” Makhachev was quick to respond to the news and asked the former dual champion to help him and his team out. Makhachev with a grim smile replied, “Ya Ya he sent a message to the group. Guys, be ready. Maybe you can come join us and control him a little bit because he doesn’t listen to Javier. I always tell Javier you are the head coach. You are older than him to stop him.”

However, Cormier made it completely clear that no one in the world can control the former lightweight champion. The upcoming rematch between Makhachev and Tsarkuyan at UFC 311 is expected to be a slobber knocker. Who do you think will win between the two? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.