A 23-year-old Islam Makhachev made his UFC debut 10 years ago today.
Over the last decade, Makhachev has proven time and time again he’s much more than Khabib Nurmagomedov’s star protege.
With four title defenses and 15-straight wins at 155lbs, the UFC Lightweight Champion could very well have surpassed Nurmagomedov as the greatest lightweight of all time.
After conquering the lightweight division, Islam Makhachev now has his sights on welterweight gold against Jack Della Maddalena, who’s unbeaten in his last 18 fights.
Makhachev hasn’t lost since his second UFC fight where he was knocked out by Adriano Martins. In the fight before that, Makhachev rose to a perfect 12-0 with his first win inside the Octagon.
Islam Makhachev hugged Khabib Nurmagomedov after choking Leo Kuntz at UFC 187
The UFC signed Makhachev in 2014 after 11 wins in a row on the Russian scene. It wouldn’t be until May 2015 when Makhachev made his UFC debut at UFC 187—the same night Daniel Cormier touched UFC gold against Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson.
The young Makhachev faced off against a 17-1-1 Leo Kuntz on the undercard. Kuntz had a short-lived UFC career of two fights, but the lightweight was riding a 15-fight unbeaten streak at the time.
Makhachev scored a beautiful takedown on Kuntz in the first round and grabbed ahold of his back where he looked for the rear-naked choke. Kuntz survived Makhachev’s first attempt and finished round 1 on his feet.
The second time would be the charm for Makhachev. In round 2, Makhachev took Kuntz’s back from the clinch and flattened him out on the ground.
After more than a minute, Makhachev secured the body triangle on the waist of Kuntz and violently locked up a tight rear-naked choke to force his opponent to tap out.
Makhachev jumped up in the air and ran to Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner, hugging his longtime friend after a job well done.
Islam Makhachev suffered his first and only loss in UFC fight afterwards
Makhachev is one fight removed from being undefeated. Like most UFC fighters, the lightweight champion lost in the Octagon very early on.
Five months after his debut win over Kuntz, Makhachev crossed paths with Brazil’s Adriano Martins at UFC 192.
Makhachev started the fight off very aggressively and his strategy would ultimately cost him. In less than two minutes, Martins dropped Makhachev with a counter right hand as he was coming in.
Martins landed one more shot on the ground before the referee jumped in and put a stop to the contest. Makhachev couldn’t believe it and hit the railing of the Octagon twice as Martins celebrated.