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Making his way into the UFC in 2014, Islam Makhachev was a known training partner of Khabib Nurmagomedov. With a demanding 9-fight winning streak in Makhachev's back pocket, the Dagestan native is on track for a 155-pound title shot, though Justin Gaethje is also waiting in the wings.
The UFC lightweight division has become the crown jewel of UFC weight classes. As superstars like Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov have risen to the top of the heap, the sport has never been so exciting. Even though the 155-pound division is packed to the brim with contenders, there seem to be a few hard-hitting athletes that feel they should be next in line.
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Justin Gaethje is the No. 2-ranked lightweight and is coming off a possible 'Fight of the Year' contender. After Michael Chandler and Gaethje went to war in all three rounds, Gaethje pulled away with the victory after a more calculated approach. Even so, one emphatic performance after being stopped by Nurmagomedov in his last fight is not enough to lock up a shot at 155-pound gold for Gaethje.
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Despite Gaethje's desire to re-enter the title picture, here are 5 reasons why Islam Makhachev is the more deserving lightweight for the next 155-pound title shot.
#5. The dominance of Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev has looked dominant inside the cage. Of course, Makhachev has endured some struggles in the UFC, most notably against Adriano Martins in 2015. After getting worked over while striking, Martins knocked Makhachev out within two minutes of the first round. The bout would serve as Makhachev's second UFC appearance and his only defeat.
In the wake of his lone loss in the UFC, Islam Makhachev went back to the drawing board to fix his mistakes. Makhachev's knockout loss against Martins served as the catalyst for seeing him achieve excellency. Following the defeat, Makhachev would wait a year before returning to action.
Unlike Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev uses his striking more. In a display of dominance, the Russian native knocked out Gleison Tibau in a single round. As a fighter who gave Nurmagomedov trouble back in 2012, Makhachev made it look effortless against Tibau.
Fast forward to 2021. Islam Makhachev has not lost since 2015. The 30-year-old has maintained an unbeaten record for six years in the UFC. The same cannot be said for Gaethje. While the former title challenger has a fan-friendly style, Islam Makhachev deserves the next title shot based on dominance and merit alone.
#4. Islam Makhachev is on a nine-fight winning streak
Islam Makhachev is on an epic run in the lightweight division. Conversely, Justin Gaethje got back into the win column after putting on a fighting clinic on Michael Chandler at UFC 268. Despite Gaethje coming off an exciting performance, Islam Makhachev has put in years of work to one day fight for gold.
Since 'The Highlight' fought and failed to procure the title, it seems fitting for some new blood to emerge into the 155-pound title picture. Islam Makhachev's massive winning streak makes a compelling case as to why he should be fighting for the title next.
During his impressive winning streak, Islam Makhachev has beaten some legitimate athletes. Islam Makhachev's last three wins have come by finish and all within the same calendar year in 2021. In addition, Makhachev has earned notable victories against Arman Tsarukyan, Thiago Moisés, and Drew Dober.
When comparing the winning streaks of Gaethje and Makhachev, it's clear that Makhachev should earn the title shot over 'The Highlight'. Additionally, it's important to note that Islam Makhachev has yet to realize his first title opportunity, while Gaethje already has.
#3. Islam Makhachev has put on title worthy performances
Recently, Islam Makhachev was paired with Dan Hooker. The two met on Fight Island. Overall, the event was a turning point for the career of Islam Makhachev. The pair of lightweights were on a collision course after Makhachev's opponent, Rafael dos Anjos, bowed out due to injury.
After bloody wars with Dustin Poirier and Paul Felder, 'The Hangman' became a fan favorite for his willingness to mix it up anytime. When Hooker took the Makhachev fight on short-notice, the fight ended in a flash. Islam Makhachev entered the octagon possessed, and it took less than three minutes to get a nasty submission.
Makhachev's grappling sequences overwhelmed Hooker's defense. Despite Hooker's improvements to his wrestling base, Makhachev capitalized while the two were striking. While the pair were throwing hands, Makhachev advanced to a double-leg takedown. Shortly after getting the fight to the mat, Makhachev torqued on a kimura submission until the referee pulled them apart.
After the kimura victory, it became crystal clear that Makhachev is ready to fight for a title. The performance was title worthy because it was total domination. Moreover, Islam Makhachev still has eight other performances where he walked away victorious. Makhachev's last three finishing victories are a more convincing argument for gold than Gaethje's last decision win against Chandler.
#2. This would be the first title shot for Islam Makhachev
It's time for Islam Makhachev to take his turn now. Gaethje has already had opportunities to fight for interim gold and undisputed gold. With a 9-fight unbeaten streak and Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner, Islam Makhachev will be a tough lightweight to topple.
Given that Islam Makhachev has never fought for a UFC title, it appears that lofty goals are approaching quickly. Makhachev has been letting his performances do the talking. However, his teammate, 'The Eagle', believes a little more persuading might be necessary.
Khabib Nurmagomedov went to bat for Islam Makhachev and told Justin Gaethje to step aside so that Makhachev can fight for the 155-pound title. The social media spat was surprising, to say the least. The world has rarely seen Khabib Nurmagomedov start up Twitter drama. Regardless, many points the former champion made were valid.
Islam Makhachev deserves to fight for UFC gold. Especially given the dominance Makhachev has shown through his last nine performances. The 30-year-old should be the front runner for the next title fight. His title shot would also provide a whole load of fresh possibilities for the division.
Of course, before Makhachev can reach those heights he'll have to wait for Dustin Poirier and lightweight champion Charles Oliveira will need to settle their differences at UFC 269 on Dec. 11.
#1. Islam Makhachev has an exciting style for a title fight
Islam Makhachev has been in the UFC two years longer than Justin Gaethje. While that alone shouldn't earn Makhachev a title shot, his record and finishing ability should. Makhachev's capacity to remain comfortable while standing is a huge asset in a potential title fight.
Islam Makhachev's entries into takedowns have become more seamless. During Makhachev's time as a professional fighter, he has finished nearly half of his fights with a submission. Interestingly, Makhachev's record would have one believe that he isn't a power puncher. However, his left hooks while leaning outside the pocket pack heat.
The style of Islam Makhachev is mysterious yet prevailing. While most assume the 30-year-old will rely on his grappling, Makhachev's skills on the feet continue to improve. With multiple knockouts, and a litany of submissions on his résumé, Islam Makhachev can be just as exciting as Justin Gaethje.
UFC brass certainly have a conundrum on their hands. With two viable contenders both eager to realize their first undisputed championship, time will tell who gets the call first.
It is very difficult to ignore the loud winning streak that Islam Makhachev has put together over the last six years. In the end, Makhachev's streak of dominance and style should see him fight for gold next.
