UFC legend's coach reveals “the key” to Islam Makhachev’s devastating chokes: “It’s such a beautiful exercise” 

Legendary MMA coach Firas Zahabi has revealed what he believes has been the biggest factor in Islam Makhachev's ability to submit most of the opponents he has faced throughout his MMA career.

Makhachev recently further cemented his status as the No.1 pound-for-pound fighter in the promotion with a dominant victory over short-notice opponent Renato Moicano at UFC 311. The Russian successfully defended his lightweight title for the fourth time, breaking the division's defense streak record, by locking in a D'Arce choke in the first-round win.

Makhachev's victory now means eight of his 16 wins in the UFC octagon have come via submission. His talent for finding a finish was then highlighted by Zahabi, who broke down Makhachev's latest victory on his YouTube channel.

According to Zahabi, who previously coached Georges St-Pierre and is the owner of Tristar Gym, Makhachev's submission finish rate is likely due to one particular exercise. He explained:

"Guys, take a moment to look at Makhachev's back. How muscular his back is. That's the key. I'm a big believer in back training. Pull-ups with a weighted belt, it's such an important exercise for upper back and hand strength. It's such a beautiful exercise... It's so good for jiu-jitsu and wrestling."

Check out Firas Zahabi's comments on Islam Makhachev here (5:35):

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Dricus du Plessis weighs in on Islam Makhachev potentially moving up to middleweight

Dricus du Plessis has dismissed the idea that Islam Makhachev could replicate his lightweight success if he moved up two divisions to middleweight.

Following Makhachev's impressive performance over Renato Moicano, his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, made the bold claim that he believes Makhachev could become the champion at both welterweight and middleweight if he wanted to.

'Stillknocks' was then asked for his thoughts on Makhachev's potential move to his division during a recent interview with Fox Sports Australia. According to du Plessis, while Makhachev's lightweight run has been impressive, there's too big of a difference between 155lbs and 185lbs. He said:

"Firstly, incredible performance by him [Makhachev]. Moicano is a great fighter and for Islam to do what he did, incredible champion and a great fighter. And kudos for saying what he did afterwards. I didn’t make much of it though."

He continued:

"Look, he trains with 185ers in his gym. But there is only one world champion. So kudos to him for saying what he did, but it doesn’t really matter because I’ll overpower him in any situation. I know he walks around heavy. But I walk around heavy. He’s a big lightweight, I’m a big middleweight. There’s a big difference there." [H/t Fox Sports Australia]