Best Islam Makhachev UFC Fights

Islam Makhachev successfully took the mantle from his teammate and friend Khabib Nurmagomedov as the undisputed UFC lightweight champion. Their similar fighting style of combat sambo has been the key to their success under the Las Vegas-based promotion.

Here's how the P4P Rankings look after #UFC302 😤

[ B2YB @VeChainOfficial ] pic.twitter.com/5fbBakDYmU

— UFC (@ufc) June 4, 2024

This dominant style is also the exact reason why he’s a top name at BetMGM’s sportsbook via the MMA odds. Let’s look back at Makhachev’s best fights below, which made him the best pound-for-pound fighter today.

Best Islam Makhachev UFC Fights

Islam Makhachev vs. Leo Kuntz – UFC 187: Johnson vs. Cormier

Makhachev’s UFC debut was a dream come true. He defeated Leo Kuntz in May 2015 at UFC 187 via a second-round rear-naked choke. This marked his grand arrival in the promotion, and he quickly impressed fans.

UFC 187: Johnson vs. Cormier

May 23rd, 2015

Leo Kuntz

Islam Makhachev came into his UFC debut with quite a bit of hype. The Dagestani Lightweight nicknamed “Little Khabib" at the time, made easy work of his first UFC opponent, submitting Leo Kuntz via RNC, 2:38 into the second… pic.twitter.com/jlpPaBSM6P

— Mixed Martial Aus 🇦🇺 (@MixedMartialAus) May 26, 2024

Although several fans criticized him for almost copying Nurmagomedov’s style, he continued to improve his MMA skills, especially his striking. It was his 12th career victory since making his professional debut in 2010.

Islam Makhachev vs. Gleison Tibau – UFC 220: Miocic vs. Ngannou

Makhachev’s striking skills improved and developed when he fought Gleison Tibau in January 2018 at UFC 220. He fired off more punches and kicks than usual to inflict damage on Tibau.

Islam Makhachev vs Gleison Tibau https://t.co/d1s1KPPZt6

— MMA Gone Wild🥋 (@mmagonewild) June 1, 2019

This new approach paid off for him because Makhachev scored a knockout victory in just 57 seconds of the match after he caught Tibau with a solid left hook punch that quickly floored him. He added two more punches on the ground to officially seal the victory.

Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira – UFC 280: Oliveira vs. Makhachev

With his victories piling up, the UFC has granted Makhachev the title opportunity in October 2022 against Charles Oliveira, as they headlined the UFC 280 pay-per-view event inside the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

ISLAM MAKHACHEV IS THE UNDISPUTED LW CHAMPION OF THE WORLD! 🏆

[ @MakhachevMMA | #UFC280 ] pic.twitter.com/aJzHlS6fxF

— UFC (@ufc) October 22, 2022

Critics and skeptics believed that it was a big step up for Makhachev and that Oliveira was a terrible matchup for him because of his incredible submission skills. However, the Dagestani star immediately proved them wrong by dominating the Brazilian and submitting him via an arm-triangle choke in the second round of their championship clash.

Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2 – UFC 294: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski 2

The first fight between Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 was a close match for the UFC lightweight title, which added an asterisk to the former’s reign after he eked out a unanimous decision victory.

ISLAM MAKHACHEV JUST KNOCKED OUT ALEX VOLKANOVSKI 😱😱 #UFC294 pic.twitter.com/g4bsINLcKM

— UFC (@ufc) October 21, 2023

But when the two faced each other again in October at UFC 294 for a rematch, Makhachev made sure to erase any doubts by knocking out Volkanovski in the opening round with a perfectly timed head kick and finished off with punches to squash any questions of being the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier – UFC 302: Makhachev vs. Poirier

Makhachev’s first official title defence against a lightweight contender was against former UFC interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier in the headliner of UFC 302. There was a lot of pressure put on his shoulders, as he was the heavy favourite to win the match with ease because of the stylistic matchup between the two.

The best in the world 😮‍💨@MAKHACHEVMMA remains the lightweight champion with a submission victory! #UFC302 pic.twitter.com/LpSwj8PH0T

— UFC (@ufc) June 2, 2024

Despite all the pressure, Makhachev once again proved that he’s currently the best MMA fighter on the planet, dominating Poirier in most junctures of the match by using his elite-level grappling skills en route to a fifth-round submission win through a brabo choke.