"I’d hate to be Islam's sparring partner", "Sleep now bratha" - Fans react as Islam Makhachev almost puts Makkasharip Zaynukov to sleep in training

Reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has been out of action since his last fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. Recently, a video of him training with Makkasharip Zaynukov has surfaced, showing Makhachev nearly putting his training partner to sleep with a rear-naked choke.

@ChampRDS shared the video on X, sparking reactions from several MMA enthusiasts who quickly rushed to the comment section to share their opinions.

One fan expressed that they would hate to be Makhachev’s training partner and also claimed that a potential fight between the champion and Arman Tsarukyan would be an exciting grappling matchup, writing:

“I’d hate to be Islam’s sparring partner. I know he puts his sparring partners to sleep by accident—his submissions are so nasty. It’s going to be interesting to see if he can catch Arman in a submission because there’s going to be a lot of grappling exchanges in that fight.”

Another user commented that Makhachev should be banned from the gym for that move, commenting:

“What a d**k move from Islam he should be banned from that gym.”

“Sleep now bratha, it’s time now”

“Pound4Pound No1@MAKHACHEVMMA”

Check out fan reactions below:

Fans react as Islam Makhachev nearly puts his training partner to sleep

Makhachev and Tsarukyan are rumored to clash in an upcoming 155-pound title fight at UFC 311. However, the bout has yet to be officially announced.

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Arman Tsarukyan teases title fight announcement against Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan fought in 2019 in a back-and-forth battle, with the Dagestani fighter securing the victory. Tsarukyan took the fight on short notice but still performed well. In his most recent fight, ‘Ahalkalakets’ defeated former champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 300, solidifying his claim for a title shot.

Speaking with TNT Sports, Tsarukyan revealed that his next fight will be for the title and the UFC bosses know the date and location:

“My manager said that I’m going to fight for the title at the beginning of next year, I’m so excited… Hopefully after this event, they’re going to announce officially when I’m going to be fighting.”

He continued:

“They already told me the place where I’m going to fight and the day that I’m going to fight – the UFC staff and bosses know, but I think in one week it’s going to be official.”

Check out Arman Tsarukyan's comments below (0:31):