One popular UFC star reckons that Islam Makhachev is just “alright” in one key area where his mentor excelled.
The lightweight champion is coached by Khabib Nurmagomedov, who retired in 2020 at the peak of his powers. He is set to make a potentially record-equalling third lightweight world title defence against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 tomorrow night, which will see him join his teammate in the history books.
There are regularly comparisons made between the two, with many believing Nurmagomedov to be the greatest fighter of all time. But as he continues to develop his striking, many reckon Makhachev might just be even better.
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Bo Nickal unimpressed by Islam Makhachev’s ‘okay’ wrestling
Speaking on his podcast with Betr, UFC middleweight and former standout collegiate wrestler Bo Nickal made his case for how Nurmagomedov was the better wrestler of the two. In fact, he claimed, Makhachev is just a slight bit better than an average competitor in the sport.
This assessment is despite dominant grappling performances against the likes of Charles Oliveira and Alexander Volkanovski, whom he defeated by decision before knocking out in their rematch. Nickal said of Makhachev’s ability on the mat: “It’s alright.
“I honestly haven’t watched a ton of film on him, I’ve watched some, and his wrestling is not like Khabib’s. Khabib has much better wrestling in my opinion overall, but he’s got tricky, sneaky stuff…
“I think his striking is maybe a little better than Khabib’s, a little sharper…it’s okay. It’s better than average. It’s not like world-class wrestling, but it’s good.”
Islam Makhachev could equal Khabib Nurmagomedov’s world title record with win at UFC 302
Islam Makhachev will join Khabib Nurmagomedov, BJ Penn, Benson Henderson and Frankie Edgar on the list of lightweights to defend their belt three times should he beat Poirier tomorrow night. The record was set in 2009 by Benn, and has stood ever since.
Edgar and then Henderson both came close, but it was Nurmagomedov who was believed to be the man to break it during the peak of his run. However, when his father Abdulmanap passed away in 2020 due to heart issues he retired at the very top of the game, and has never returned to the sport.
Now, he is backing his teammate to make history with a fourth defence, which would be expected to take place against Arman Tsarukyan should he get through Poirier. Makhachev has already beaten the Armenian once before, and is keen for a rematch to put his stamp on the feud.
Speaking to cameras from UFC Embedded cameras ahead of the Poirier fight, Nurmagomedov said: “Islam is feeling very good, honestly very sharp.
“This is a very important fight for him. This is his third title defence, very, very close to breaking the record for all-time lightweight defence. He’s very close.”