Revisit Some Of Islam Makhachev's Best Moments Before He Faces Alexander Volkanovski At UFC 284.
The scariest man in the UFC’s lightweight division is Islam Makhachev.
Makhachev has been a dominant force as he’s climbed the ranks, going 23-1 in the UFC on his way to becoming the lightweight champion. He’s utilized his incredible wrestling and endless pressure to maul his opponents.
Let’s look back at his five best performances as we get ready for his upcoming UFC 284 fight with Alexander Volkanovski.
Islam Makhachev vs Gleison Tibau
UFC 220 – January 20, 2018
Islam Makhachev of Russia celebrates his TKO over Gleison Tibau of Brazil in their lightweight bout during the UFC 220 event at TD Garden on January 20, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Zuffa LLC)
It took Makhachev less than a minute to notch the biggest knockout of his career. Makhachev launched a massive left hook over the top that landed flush on Gleison Tibau’s chin. The strike sent the veteran to the canvas and put an end to the bout. It was an outstanding win and showed that Makhachev isn’t just a dangerous grappler, but a dangerous striker, as well.
Islam Makhachev vs Kajan Johnson
UFC Fight Night: Alvarez vs Poirier 2 – July 28, 2018
Islam Makhachev of Russia secures an arm bar submission against Kajan Johnson of Canada in their lightweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at Scotiabank Saddledome on July 28, 2018 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
After spending the majority of the first round feeling things out on the feet, Makhachev was able to get a hold of Kajan Johnson’s legs and drag him to the floor. Makhachev kept improving his position and peppering Johnson with shots until Makhachev isolated one of Johnson’s arms and secured an armbar.
The win just demonstrated how quickly Makhachev can overwhelm an opponent once the fight hits the floor.
Islam Makhachev vs Drew Dober
UFC 259 – March 6, 2021
Islam Makhachev works for a submission against Drew Dober in their lightweight fight during the UFC 259 event at UFC APEX on March 06, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Let’s be clear, Drew Dober is one heck of a fighter but the performance that Islam Makhachev put on him at UFC 259 was incredible. For Makhachev to dominate Dober like he did for two rounds and some change, it was truly eye opening. This was Makhachev’s coming out party and the fight for him to come all the way out of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s shadow.
Islam Makhachev vs Dan Hooker
UFC 267 - October 30, 2021
Islam Makhachev of Russia battles Dan Hooker of New Zealand in a lightweight fight during the UFC 267 event at Etihad Arena on October 30, 2021 in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Makhachev didn't waste anytime extending his winning streak to nine at UFC 267. Getting the takedown he wanted in the opening minute of the bout, it took under three minutes in the first round to submit the New Zealander and get Makhachev his 21st win.
Islam Makhachev of Russia celebrates after his victory over Charles Oliveira of Brazil in their UFC lightweight championship fight during the UFC 280 event at Etihad Arena on October 22, 2022 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Islam Makhachev becomes your UFC lightweight champion!
Dropping Oliveira with a left hand and taking him to the canvas allowed Makhachev to secure the arm triangle choke and force the tap out from the Brazilian. This ferocious effort showed the world that not only can he compete with the elite talent in the lightweight division but he is elite.
It was Makhachev’s 11 straight victory and set him up forthe world lightweight championship bout with Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284.
