What Is Islam Makhachev’s Fighting Style? Is the Dagestani UFC Star a Wrestler, Kickboxer, or Grappler?

It was the noted UFC icon, Khabib Nurmagomedov, who put out the Dagestani grappling-heavy fight style on display for the UFC audiences. However, the Dagestani domination in the UFC continued even after his departure. Following Khabib’s UFC retirement, Islam Makhachev, a close friend and teammate of Khabib’s, began dominating the UFC’s lightweight class. He is now the 155-pound champion and has been constantly putting up shows of his superb Dagestan-influenced ground game in all of his UFC fights.

The 32-year-old defeated the former UFC Lightweight champ Charles ‘Do Bronx’ Oliveira in the second round of their UFC 280 bout via an arm-triangle choke. He’s even showcased those grappling skills against Alexander Volkanovski and now, he attempts to do the same against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. But, even after possessing almost similar styles of fighting, several fans may have noticed a few differences between the Makhachev and Khabib’s in-octagon game. Some fans may keep Makhachev a bit ahead of his bosom friend too.

Islam Makhachev’s fighting style compared with Khabib Nurmagomedov

Well, there can never be a definite answer to this question. A lot of fans may give more marks to Makhachev in terms of his fight game. But there are several fans who find ‘The Eagle’s’ style more appealing. However, looking at both their UFC fights to date, it won’t be wrong to say that Makhachev possesses better striking than his dear friend and mentor.

It was a superb right-hand strike from Makhachev that knocked Charles Oliveira down to the canvas. Even the UFC commentators couldn’t help acknowledging the strike from Makhachev. Later, Makhachev secured a top mount to finish him off.

The Dagestani’s UFC 284 bout against the noted UFC featherweight champ, Alexander ‘The Great’ Volkanovski also presented an example of his superb striking. Although he failed to secure a KO/TKO finish, he managed to get ‘Volk’ down to his knees a couple of times with his superb hand and knee strikes. But then, in their rematch at UFC 294, Makhachev dropped Volkanovski with a leg kick knockout to put an end to that chapter once and for all. Hence, a lot of fans may say that he possesses a bit better skills in striking compared to Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Meanwhile, ‘The Eagle’ has only become known as the fighter who muscles down his opponent and “smesh” them with the help of his ungodly strength for a lightweight. That strength was a vital part of his career, as he always stood on the front foot during his fights by using his grappling skills, which were aided by his strength. And guess what? Khabib Nurmagomoedov has 11 out of 29 wins by submission, which is the same as Islam Makhachev, but the latter has fought in fewer fights than his mentor.

Makhachev initially trained in combat sambo only and also became the world champion in 2016. But joining the noted coach and former kickboxer, Javier Mendez‘s, American Kickboxing Academy, helped him develop a world-class striking game that we often see in his fights. No wonder many consider him to be one of the most well-rounded fighters in the current UFC roster.

Is Islam Makhachev a BJJ Black Belt?

Having shown his advocacy for Combat Sambo and signs of dissent towards Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Islam Makhachev does not have a black belt in BJJ. However, he does have a black belt in another discipline where UFC great Ronda Rousey‘s expertise lies, judo. Makhachev has also captured gold medals in Combat Sambo. He’s been a World champion once and Russian national champion twice.

The lightweight champion also holds the rank of the International Master of Sport in Combat Sambo. Islam Makhachev’s wrestling and grappling skills have helped him topple even the best BJJ black belts in his San Jose gym, American Kickboxing Academy. Interestingly, Makhachev has always competed in around the 155-170 lbs area, which means that he has maintained his lightweight/welterweight frame for much of his athletic life.

READ MORE – Is Islam Makhachev in UFC 3 & UFC 4? How Does His In-Game Stats Compare With Khabib Nurmagomedov?

Makhachev made superb use of his knees against his shorter rival to land several strikes on him. However, many consider ‘The Diamond’ Dustin Poirier to have one of the best fight IQs in the UFC. Hence, it’s quite expected that he will make a lot of adjustments to the approach while taking pointers from his mentor who’s already defeated the former interim champion. It will all come down to the 25 minutes they’ll share the Octagon together. As they say, anything can happen in this crazy sport.

Watch this Story – Is Islam Makhachev in UFC 3 & UFC 4? How Does His In-Game Stats Compare With Khabib Nurmagomedov?