5 things you need to know about Islam Makhachev, the next big thing in the UFC lightweight division

#4. Islam Makhachev is the least hit fighter in UFC history

Islam Makhachev has strong boxing fundamentals

Islam Makhachev is known for his grappling, especially considering his combat sambo background. However, his stand-up IQ is also one of the best in all of UFC. With 0.77 strikes absorbed per minute, he holds the rare accolade for being the least hit fighter per minute in UFC history.

Islam Makhachev is miles ahead of UFC champions like Charles Oliveira, Israel Adesanya, and Kamaru Usman in that statistic. He has lost only once in his 11-year long MMA career, which came when he was knocked out by Adriano Martins at UFC 192.

In his last fight, Islam Makhachev submitted Drew Dober in round three after landing a total of 102 strikes and three takedowns. In return, he was hit only 14 times by Dober. In fact, before UFC 259, the Dagestani absorbed just 131 strikes in a total of five fights.

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#3. Islam Makhachev has the second-longest active winning streak in the UFC lightweight division

Islam Makhachev gets his hand raised

Islam Makhachev made his UFC debut in 2015 with a submission win over Leo Kuntz. His next fight came against Adriano Martins, against which Makhachev suffered an upset loss in round one via a knockout. However, he bounced back right after and has, since his sole MMA loss, gone on a seven-fight winning streak.

After putting on a grappling masterclass Islam Makhachev forced Drew Dober to tap in the 3rd round! 👋The first man to greet and congratulate him? None other than Khabib! 🦅#UFC259 pic.twitter.com/CJ4oguqQUl

— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) March 7, 2021

Islam Makhachev has picked up two submissions, one knockout and four decision wins on his way to his active seven-fight winning streak. His most notable victories have come against Glieson Tibau, Arman Tsaryukan and Drew Dober. In achieving the streak, Islam Makhachev tied the record for the second-longest active winning streak in the UFC lightweight division, level with Beneil Dariush.

UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira has the longest active winning streak in the division, with nine wins in a row. A win against Thiago Moises at UFC Vegas 31 will put Islam Makhachev ahead of Dariush and closer to 'Do Bronx'.