ISLAM MAKHACHEV: A CHAMPION IN THE MAKING
Islam Makhachev has been in the news for last couple of days, as he is the touted prospect in MMA world right now. He was also the star of fight night UFC Vegas 49 last weekend where he dispatches Bobby Green in first round via ground and pound stoppage. This was Islam’s 4th fight and 4th finish in less than 12 months, and now he is on 10 fight winning streak in UFC leveling up with Lightweight Champion Charles Oliveira and featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski for the longest active winning streak in UFC. Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman is the leader on this list with 15 fight winning streak.
Breakdown
Islam Makhachev was massive favorite going in against Bobby Green, who took this fight on ten days’ notice. Islam started the fight with high kick because Green usually fights with his hands down, but Bobby was able to block the kick after that they trade few leg kicks. Makhachev was constantly feinting to give the different looks in fight; Bobby knew that Islam was looking for takedown and he was conscious about it. As Green was started to explore more he threw body kick, which was caught by Islam and he immediately put Bobby against the cage and started working. After some resistance from Bobby in clinch, Islam shoots a double leg and gets the takedown; after that it went downhill for Green. Makhachev was able to mount him and started throwing left and right to the face of Bobby Green and eventually Herb Dean (referee) stepped in and stopped the fight.
What’s Next For Islam Makhachev?
Islam Makhachev made it look very easy, as he dominated another opponent in same fashion. Bobby was very tough opponent who was hard to finish; last time he got finished was back in 2016 when Dustin Poirier knocked him out. After the fight, Islam Makhachev demanded title fight against the winner of Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje. MMA world is now debating whether Islam should get the title shot or not. Many believe that Islam shouldn’t get title shot, as he didn’t beat the top guys of the division; they want him to fight top 5 fighters to get the title shot. On the other side, majority of people are convinced that Islam should fight for the title next, as any fighter with 10 fight win streak in UFC should get title shot.
Islam Makhachev finished 6 of his opponents in last 10 fights, and 4 of those finish came in very 1st round. It is very interesting to notice that all of those 6 finishes were different from others; he knocked out Gleison Tibau with big left hand in 57 sec of first round. He secured the Arm bar submission win against Kajan Johnson in 1st round, after that he finished Drew Dober with Arm Triangle choke in 3rd round at UFC 259. After that, Islam submitted Thiago Moises via rear naked choke in 4th round of his first main event fight in UFC. Makhachev gave Dan Hooker his first submission loss of UFC, when he got the finish by kimura in 1st round at UFC 267. Last weekend, Islam bagged a quick win against Bobby via ground and pound stoppage in very 1st round. Makhachev does have very impressive and exciting resume despite not facing the cream of the division, but he dominated all of his other challenges.
Lightweight division of UFC is very stacked, but still there are lots of old fighters in there who already have captured the gold or fought for it already. UFC need new blood like Islam Makhachev, Arman Tsarukyan, Rafael Fiziev and Paddy Pimblett to fight top guys and excite this division again. Islam Makhachev should definitely fight for title next, he is the most active fighter in the division right know and also there are no other option for him; Beneil Dariush is injured with serious injury he will be out for a while now. Dustin Poirier already fought for the title few months ago and he is looking to move to welterweight division to potentially fight Nate Diaz. Dan Hooker, Michael Chandler, Tony Ferguson and Conor McGregor (recovering for leg injury) are on losing streak and it doesn’t make sense for Islam to face either of them.
Many people believe Islam Makhachev will be the Lightweight Champion sooner than later, as he is very well rounded fighter with elite wrestling and grappling background. Just imagine the fight against him and Charles Oliveira that would the treat for fans, as we will find out who is the better grappler and the best fighter in the division. It is very interesting that in betting odds Islam Makhachev is heavily favorite to win against the Champion Charles Oliveira. On other side, if Gaethje won against Charles, who want to miss Islam vs. Gaethje fight? Now, Let’s see what will happen in near future, whether Islam Makhachev will get the title shot or he will fight another opponent.
