So, what’s the secret behind Islam Makhachev’s seemingly endless dominance in the UFC lightweight division? Is it his unrivalled discipline, his killer ground game, or something more? With UFC 311 just around the corner, and his upcoming rematch against Arman Tsarukyan stealing the spotlight, Makhachev is once again proving that he’s willing to do whatever it takes to stay ahead of the pack.

But here’s the kicker, his camp isn’t just any camp. It’s a haven for high-level training hidden away in the high altitudes of Kislovodsk, Russia. “You need to get a special pass,” Makhachev shared in a recent Yukamma interview. Why? Well, because this place is off-limits to distractions. The area is completely closed off, allowing Makhachev to focus solely on what matters: training, eating, and sleeping. Think about it, no outside noise, no interruptions. Just pure, uninterrupted grind. Isn’t that exactly what it takes to stay on top?

But let’s dig deeper. Why Kislovodsk? Islam Makhachev gives us a glimpse into the strategic genius behind this choice. “We are at a height [elevation]. It’s plus or minus half an hour from the city. Sometimes you think that after training you’ll go to the city, sit down, drink some tea. But you end up so tired that you decide to sit in your room.” he laughs. But that exhaustion isn’t a bad thing. It means that this training environment is designed to push him to the brink. The added bonus? Khabib Nurmagomedov, his mentor, swears by the high-altitude benefits.

Islam Makhachev’s game-changing edge with high altitude and total focus

‘The Eagle’, ever the strategist, explains, “We train here because (it’s at a) very high altitude. This is very good for (conditioning).” That’s the game plan, make Makhachev’s body adapt to the thin air and gain an advantage over opponents who aren’t getting that same conditioning. The benefits are clear, and in a sport where stamina and endurance can make or break a fight, the Dagestani mentor’s emphasis on altitude training might be exactly what his protege needs to stay a step ahead.

But don’t think it’s all about the physical grind. This camp provides Islam Makhachev with something rarer than altitude – peace. Khabib explains that, given Makhachev’s fame in Dagestan, distractions are a constant. The quiet of Kislovodsk offers a break from the constant attention, allowing Makhachev to focus fully on his training and recovery. No cameras. No distractions. Just the next fight.

So, with UFC 311 looming and Arman Tsarukyan looking to avenge their 2019 bout, could this secret training haven be the game-changer Islam needs? Or will Tsarukyan’s hunger for redemption break through Makhachev’s fortress? The countdown to the showdown is on and it’s clear that every detail of Makhachev’s camp has been fine-tuned for one thing, victory. What do you think? Is Kislovodsk the secret to Makhachev’s continued reign? Or is Tsarukyan’s fire going to burn too hot to be contained? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!