Rivalries: Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev, now 24-1, sits at the summit and scans the horizon, a man without peer at 155 pounds—at least for now.

The 31-year-old Khabib Nurmagomedov protégé and current Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight titleholder has rattled off 12 consecutive wins and established himself as one of the top pound-for-pound competitors in the sport. While threats abound in one of MMA’s deepest and most tradition-rich weight classes, Makhachev appears poised for an extended run at the top. He has delivered 15 of his 24 career victories by knockout, technical knockout or submission, nine of them inside one round.

As Makhachev awaits word from UFC matchmakers on his next assignment, a look at some of the rivalries that have played a role in his rise to power:

Adriano Martins

The American Top Team product sniped Islam Makhachev with a magnificent counter right hook in the first round of their UFC 192 lightweight prelim on Oct. 3, 2015 at the Toyota Center in Houston. Martins brought it to a close 1:46 into Round 1. The previously unbeaten Makhachev marched forward with clubbing rights and lefts, paying little attention to defensive details; and the devil was indeed there. Martins slipped out of reach and connected with a check right hook that folded the hyped Dagestani prospect where he stood. The former Jungle Fight champion landed one final right hand for good measure on the dazed Makhachev before referee Frank Collazo could intervene. It remains the only blemish on an otherwise pristine resume.

Arman Tsarukyan

Makhachev won for the fifth time in as many appearances, improved to 17-1 and continued to separate himself from the pack at 155 pounds with a unanimous decision over the highly regarded promotional newcomer in their UFC Fight Night 149 co-main event on April 20, 2019 at the Yubileyny Sports Complex in St. Petersburg, Russia. Scores were 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28. Tsarukyan, who was 22 at the time, put up considerable resistance across the 15-minute encounter but fell short against a more experienced and polished opponent. Makhachev’s four completed takedowns provided the difference, afforded him extended periods of dominance and wiped away any possibility of an upset.

Dan Hooker

A cold and calculated Makhachev disposed of the City Kickboxing standout with a kimura in the first round of their brief but revealing UFC 267 lightweight showcase on Oct. 30, 2021 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. A short-notice replacement for Rafael dos Anjos, the well-respected Hooker conceded defeat 2:25 into Round 1. The outcome was in doubt for less than a minute. Makhachev landed a quick takedown, progressed to half guard and framed the kimura from side control. Hooker was beyond help, as the Russian sambo practitioner continued to crank on his isolated arm until he had no choice but to raise the white flag. It was his first submission defeat in more than nine years.

Charles Oliveira

Makhachev completed his years-long climb to the top of the mountain when he seized the vacant Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight title by submitting the Brazilian with an arm-triangle choke in the second round of their UFC 280 headliner on Oct. 22, 2022 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Oliveira bowed out 3:16 into Round 2, suffering his first setback in nearly five years. Makhachev was utterly brilliant. He assumed top position in the first round and successfully navigated the treacherous Oliveira guard, setting the stage for what was to come. Makhachev decked the Brazilian with a right hook in the second round, pursued him to the canvas and locked in the arm-triangle. He then cleared Oliveira’s legs, tightened his crushing squeeze and drew out the tap.

Alexander Volkanovski

The reigning Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight boss was denied in his bid to become a two-division titleholder when Makhachev retained the undisputed lightweight crown with a hard-earned unanimous decision in their UFC 284 main event on Feb. 11, 2023 at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. Scores were 48-47, 48-47 and 49-46. It was a tactical struggle from start to finish. Makhachev countered effectively with both hands throughout the 25-minute affair and executed multiple takedowns, advancing to the back and threatening the neck on more than one occasion. He did his best work in Round 4, where he ducked into a takedown, progressed to the back when Volkanovski tried to escape and secured his position with a tight body triangle. Makhachev bottled up the outwardly frustrated Australian for more than three minutes, much to the chagrin of the raucous crowd. Volkanovski made his move late in the fifth round after being cut by a close-range knee strike. He drove Makhachev to all fours with a thudding right hand to the side of the head and forced his retreat to full guard. From there, Volkanovski cut loose with punches to the body and head with increasing intensity, his fellow Aussies roaring their approval. However, the finish he needed did not materialize. The loss was Volkanovski’s first since May 10, 2013 and snapped his remarkable 22-fight winning streak.