Is Islam Makhachev a grappler? Breaking down the Dagestani's wrestling pedigree

UFC lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev has established himself as one of the top mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters in the world over the past few years. The Dagestani athlete boasts a 25-1 professional MMA record and is on a 13-fight win streak.

Makhachev is also known for his association with retired MMA star and former UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov (29-0 MMA). The two grappling wizards are childhood friends and longtime training partners. They began their careers together in their native Dagestan, Russia, and continue to train together, both in Dagestan, as well as at the world-renowned American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) in San Jose, California.

Today, we take a closer look at Makhachev's fearsome grappling prowess.

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Is Islam Makhachev a grappler?

Islam Makhachev's martial arts journey commenced when he was a child. He's said to have trained in Taekwondo under the guidance of Russian Taekwondo savant, Seyfula Magomedov. Makhachev eventually learned the art of Sanda (aka Sanshou) as well, apart from training in the arts of freestyle wrestling and Sambo.

It was Sambo, a Russian martial art, that comprises both striking and grappling techniques, where his grappling prowess truly flourished. Although Makhachev's official submission grappling and Sambo records aren't available in the public domain, the consensus in the combat sports realm is that he had a successful career in the sport of Sambo.

Makhachev earned the honor of being a North Caucasian Federal District gold medalist under the UWW Russian Grappling Federation banner. Additionally, he captured gold medals twice at the national level in Sambo. The Makhachkala-born athlete won the Russian National Combat Sambo Championship in the 74-kilogram category in 2014 and 2016.

Despite bagging the gold medal in 2014, Makhachev wasn't able to represent his country at the international level owing to a heart health issue. Nevertheless, after securing gold in the nationals in 2016, he proceeded to win a gold medal at the World Combat Sambo Championship in the 74-kilogram weight class in 2016.

Since making his professional MMA debut in August 2010, Islam Makhachev has showcased outstanding grappling prowess adapted to the sport. Of his 25 pro MMA wins, 5 have come via KO/TKO, 9 by decision and 11 of them by submission. He has earned widespread praise from many, particularly for his wrestling. He is also adept in the grappling-centric art of BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu).

Many believe that his overall grappling arsenal has played a crucial role even in his KO/TKO and decision wins. Moreover, the consensus is that although Makhachev has long been viewed as a grappling-heavy MMA fighter, he has exhibited tremendous improvements in the striking realm, particularly in his most recent few fights.

A shining example came against one of the UFC's most elite strikers, Alexander Volkanovski, who Islam Makhachev defeated via first-round KO in their rematch in Oct. 2023. Presently, Makhachev is scheduled to defend his UFC lightweight title against former interim UFC lightweight title-holder, Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 on June 1, 2024.