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#2. Islam Makhachev is a better striker than Khabib Nurmagomedov
Islam Makhachev is one of the most well-rounded men in the lightweight division.Considering Khabib Nurmagomedov was one of the most dominant fighters to ever grace the UFC, it would be a big deal to be better than him in a particular skill. And Islam Makhachev is seemingly just that. He has gained praise from AKA coach Javier Mendez for his striking.
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Mendez, who coaches the Dagestani bunch at the American Kickboxing Academy, believes that Islam Makhachev has a more well-rounded game than 'The Eagle'.
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In an interview with Niall McGrath, Javier Mendez said:
"His (Islam Makhachev's) overall game is slightly better than Khabib's. The stand-up, the kicking, and the ground. Remember, Islam is a two-time sambo champion, and not just recently, too. He's accomplished what Khabib has accomplished. Islam has adapted to the striking quicker than Khabib, being that Khabib will only train striking when he's with me. And Khabib didn't even like to kick very much until the very end of the last two camps. [That's when] he started getting up the kick."
During Islam Makhachev's previous bout against Thiago Moises, he was seen wanting to trade punches with the Brazilian. But when he was reminded by Javier Mendez to stick to "father's plan," which was evidently the grappling side of things, Makhachev obliged. During the post-fight interview, he told Paul Felder:
"I feel very comfortable when I am striking with him (Thiago Moises), but I don't know, these guys (Javier Mendez and Khabib) always tell me, 'Hey, take him down, take him down'. I want to feel a little bit striking, but I have to listen to my corner, no?"
#1. Islam Makhachev isn't afraid of anyone
Islam Makhachev made his UFC debut back in 2015 and has taken on anyone and everyone who has been presented to him. The only time he pulled out was due to an injury weeks before the fight against Rafael dos Anjos. Ever since he came into the spotlight, he has been calling out top-tier fighters to face him.
In an organization where fighters are ready to prove they are the baddest, Islam Makhachev's callouts have been falling on deaf ears. He has called out Michael Chandler, dos Anjos, Tony Ferguson, Charles Oliveira and now even Conor McGregor.
After his win against Thiago Moises, Islam Makhachev asked Paul Felder why UFC lightweights were avoiding facing him. The former UFC fighter told the Dagestani:
"I can tell you right now, because I just sat here... and I watched what you did in there and I don't think many guys want to be under that pressure. You're always evolving. Your striking is looking better and better each time, and obviously, with Khabib and the rest of these guys in your corner, you're fantastic."
If Islam Makhachev's competition is afraid of him, it is certainly for a valid reason. He is one of the most well-rounded fighters in the UFC lightweight division, with a dominance that reminds people of Khabib Nurmagomedov. The Dagestani fighter is definitely set to rule the division for many years to come.
