Islam Makhachev doesn’t just train with Khabib Nurmagomedov: the 31-year-old Dagestani has known him for years, and Nurmagomedov hand-picked him as his successor at 155 pounds. Makhachev was due to face Charles Oliveira, but that all changed a few days ago when Oliveira dropped out due to a cut. Now, Alexander Volkanovski has stepped up to take on one of the most dominant fighters in the game.
The Russian won his title against Charles Oliveira after Oliveira missed weight and Makhachev sunk in an arm triangle in the second round. Since then, he has defended his title against Alexander Volkanovski in a five-round war. He won a unanimous decision 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46.
Islam Makhachev Squares off Against Volkanovski
After eight years and twelve fights in the UFC, Islam Makhachev has ascended to the pinnacle of the sport. He fended off the challenger Volkanovski over five rounds in his first defense, and he was dominant on the ground, landing four takedowns over the course of the fight. The first go-round went Volkanovski’s way on the feet, as he scored a knockdown and seemed to be in control every time the two men stood up.
Even though he was due to face Oliveira, the two former foes are set to square off again this weekend in Abu Dhabi, Volkanovski on 11 day’s notice. With the change in opponent so late, this fight becomes the biggest test of Makhachev’s storied UFC career. There is a slight advantage in that Makhachev knows what he needs to do to win, but his gameplan is not likely to vary between the two fighters.
Islam Makhachev has been impressive in his run at 155 pounds so far, even with only one title defense under his belt. He has landed at least one takedown in 11 of his 12 consecutive UFC wins, and continues to utilize sambo to great effect.
The Russian’s Gameplan
Throughout his UFC career, Islam Makhachev has utilized sambo, a Soviet-created style of amateur wrestling. He focuses on heavy top pressure and hand control to set up heavy ground-and-pound, or take the back of his opponent and snake in a choke.
He has to utilize the height and weight advantage and stay away from the striking, as Volkanovski possesses a inch-and-a-half reach advantage. This is sure to pose problems on the feet for the Russian, especially because his opponent is much more well-rounded as a striker. He has to be careful, as Volkanovski possesses power that translates to the next weight class up.
He has to look for takedowns early and often, and close the distance when he can. Judo trips are key to taking the fight to the ground, as Volkanovski has above-par takedown defense and is sure to have practiced that since their first meeting. If he can focus on top control and limiting his opponent’s scrambles, he should be able to find a route to a choke.
Finishing Volkanovski is no easy task, though. He has fantastic submission defense, and as proven, he can outlast a choke longer than most. Makhachev has to pick his offensive moments and control the points of transition, particularly by isolating Volkanovski’s limbs and moving gradually.
As proven throughout his fights, ground control time is a way to manage the flow of the bout, and he should expect to utilize it from bell to bell.
What Could Be Next?
With another win over Volkanovski, Islam Makhachev will have cemented his hold on the lightweight division, and so a fight with Charles Oliveira obviously makes the most sense. Oliveira soundly defeated Beneil Dariush in his last fight by submission, and he controlled every second of the fight.
The division looks fairly jumbled at the moment, but Justin Gaethje and Dan Hooker are making charges towards the top of the division. A fight with Gaethje would be a fantastic matchup for both of them, as Gaethje is a fantastic wrestler who can mitigate Makhachev’s top pressure and grappling skills.
Gaethje has plus boxing skills and a fantastic chin that will be sure to give Makhachev trouble, and both men are tenacious in the Octagon. Once again, Makhachev has to utilize his trips to gain an advantage in the grappling.
As a fighter, Makhachev is incredibly competent in all facets of the game. His fight IQ is next to none, and as he develops, he is sure to make a run as one of the better pound-for pound fighters of all time.
This weekend, he gets a chance to prove his mettle once again against a more than game opponent, and there is nothing short of fireworks in Abu Dhabi coming.
