Robert Whittaker showers praise on Islam Makhachev's "significant" striking evolution after UFC 294 win over Alexander Volkanovski

Islam Makhachev has established himself as one of the most dominant fighters in the UFC's lightweight division. Known for his strong ground game, his fighting style has changed over the years. Recently, Robert Whittaker praised Makhachev for the evolution of his striking after his win over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294.

The reigning UFC lightweight champion took on Volkanovski at UFC 284 and UFC 294. He won the first fight against 'The Great' via a unanimous decision, and in the second meeting, he knocked him out in the first round. Makhachev defended his title for the third time against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 where the 33-year-old Dagestani displayed a blend of striking and wrestling.

Commenting on Makhachev's evolved fighting style on Israel Adesanya's YouTube channel, Whittaker said:

"The way he was striking with Volk over the two fights and then with his last fight on Poirier, I feel like there is a significant improvement in that break. "

He further added:

"Well, he's always fought kind of very basic, right? He's just like real stand-up traditional kickboxing, but his timing and his eyesight has just gotten much better, his spacing has just gotten much better."

Watch Whittaker's opinion on Islam Makhachev's fighting style below (22:36):

Islam Makhachev expresses his opinion on Arman Tsarukyan's fight at UFC 311

Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan are set to lock horns with each other at UFC 311 in a lightweight title showdown. As the fight gets closer, the reigning UFC lightweight champion shared his thoughts on his upcoming fight.

Talking to reporters at the UFC 311 media day, when Makhachev was asked about his future fights in the division after the Tsarukyan showdown, he praised the 28-year-old Armenian and said:

"I don’t want to look past Arman, because Arman is a really good, tough opponent and I focus on him, you know, and looking for the rankings, thinking for the next opponent, it’s not my job. I’m just still training, still hungry and just, if we have something, just send me contract, it’s my opinion all my life."

Watch Islam Makhachev's thoughts on the Tsarukyan fight (3:26):

Makhachev and Tsarukyan earlier faced each other for the first time in 2019. After three rounds, Makhachev was declared the winner by a unanimous decision.