Islam Makhachev News
Michael Chandler shares bold prediction for Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan rematch: "Absolutely smokes him"
Cole Shelton - November 5, 2024
Michael Chandler has shared his prediction for the expected rematch between Islam Makhachev vs Arman Tsarukyan. Makhachev and Tsarukyan are rumored to rematch in January at UFC 311 for the lightweight title. It will be one of the most intriguing title fights, as it serves as a rematch of their 2019 fight, which Makhachev won by decision. However, that contest served as Tsarukyan’s UFC debut and was a fight he took on very short notice.
REPORT | Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan 2 official for UFC 311 in Los Angeles
Josh Evanoff - November 4, 2024
It appears that Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan 2 is official for UFC 311 in January. The lightweight champion hasn’t been seen in the cage since a clash with Dustin Poirier in June. In the main event of UFC 302, Islam Makhachev entered the octagon as a massive betting favorite against ‘The Diamond’. While the challenger offered some resistance, the Russian emerged with a fifth-round submission victory.
Javier Mendez says Khamzat Chimaev is on same level of Khabib Nurmagomedov & Islam Makhachev despite style differences
Fernando Quiles - November 4, 2024
Renowned American Kickboxing Academy head coach Javier Mendez has some big praise for Khamzat Chimaev. While Chimaev dazzled MMA fans with his red hot UFC start, illnesses halted his momentum. Perhaps mother nature can only hope to contain “Borz,” as he bounced back to deliver the most impressive performance of his fighting career. He injured Robert Whittaker’s bottom teeth to the point where “The Reaper” was forced to tap out as soon as a face crank was applied.
Alexander Volkanovski believes Ilia Topuria could KO Islam Makhachev if he tries champ-champ status
Cole Shelton - October 29, 2024
Alexander Volkanovski believes that Ilia Topuria could become a champ-champ if he tries to. Topuria is the UFC’s featherweight champion and is coming off a TKO win over Max Holloway to defend his belt at UFC 308. He became the first person to knockout Holloway, as he showed off his insane power.
Dana White shuts down Ilia Topuria's talk of challenging Islam Makhachev at lightweight: "This is his first title defense"
Josh Evanoff - October 25, 2024
UFC President Dana White doesn’t want to see Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev just yet. ‘El Matador’ is set to return to the octagon in the main event of UFC 308 this Saturday night. Back for the first time since winning featherweight gold against Alexander Volkanovski in February, Ilia Topuria will face Max Holloway. ‘Blessed’ earned the title opportunity with a knockout win over Justin Gaethje in April.
Dana White reveals he'll "absolutely" approve Islam Makhachev welterweight title shot with win over Arman Tsarukyan
Josh Evanoff - October 24, 2024
UFC President Dana White has co-signed on Islam Makhachev’s future welterweight move. The Russian has been out of the cage since a June title defense against Dustin Poirier. In the main event of UFC 302, Islam Makhachev faced ‘The Diamond’ in the latter’s third crack at undisputed gold. Despite some resistance from the challenger, the lightweight champion wound up securing a fifth-round submission victory.
Max Holloway confirms interest in Islam Makhachev fight following UFC 308: "I want all the smoke"
Josh Evanoff - October 22, 2024
UFC featherweight contender Max Holloway has his eyes on lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. This Saturday night in Abu Dhabi, ‘Blessed’ will make the walk to the cage once again. Back for the first time since an April knockout over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, Max Holloway will meet Ilia Topuria. For his part, ‘El Matador’ claimed the featherweight gold with a stunning stoppage win over Alexander Volkanovski in February.
Arman Tsarukyan scoffs at Islam Makhachev being ahead of Jon Jones in P4P debate
Fernando Quiles - October 22, 2024
Arman Tsarukyan would not put Islam Makhachev at the top of the pound-for-pound list. UFC CEO Dana White has been peeved at the fact that Makhachev is ahead of Jon Jones at the top of the list. While White puts the blame on the media, many reporters have criticized the UFC for the rankings panel choices over the years. Nevertheless, White’s narrative stands and he plans to change up the ranking system.
Ilia Topuria warns Islam Makhachev ahead of possible LW move: "Let's settle it like adults!"
Curtis Calhoun - October 8, 2024
Tensions are boiling between UFC champions Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev ahead of Topuria’s first featherweight title defense. Topuria will face BMF titleholder Max Holloway in the UFC 308 main event later this month in Abu Dhabi. He returns to the Octagon after finishing Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 to capture the UFC featherweight title.
Ilia Topuria opens up on future clash with fellow UFC champion Islam Makhachev: "Pay for his medical bills"
Josh Evanoff - October 3, 2024
UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria wants to meet Islam Makhachev in the octagon. ‘El Matador’ has been out of the cage since winning featherweight gold at UFC 298 in February. In the main event, Ilia Topuria scored a second-round knockout victory over longtime champion Alexander Volkanovski. For his first title defense, the young star will face ‘BMF’ titleholder Max Holloway later this month.
Khabib Nurmagomedov reveals Islam Makhachev has accepted January title defense: "Best fighter in the world"
Josh Evanoff - September 30, 2024
According to Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev will make his UFC return in January. The UFC lightweight champion hasn’t appeared in the cage since a clash with Dustin Poirier in early June. Islam Makhachev entered the main event as a massive betting favorite but dealt with more resistance than many expected. Still, the champion closed the show in round five with a submission victory over ‘The Diamond’.
Chael Sonnen and Daniel Cormier believe now is the time for UFC champion Islam Makhachev to do a heel turn: “I think that’s the move”
Harry Kettle - September 25, 2024
Chael Sonnen and Daniel Cormier believe now is the time for Islam Makhachev to take on a more villainous persona. Islam Makhachev is the reigning UFC lightweight champion and he has earned that title. He defeated Charles Oliveira to capture the strap before going on to defend it against the likes of Alexander Volkanovski and Dustin Poirier.
Dana White confirms the UFC won't make an interim lightweight title despite Islam Makhachev's injury: "We have plans"
Josh Evanoff - September 10, 2024
UFC President Dana White has confirmed that there will be no interim titles in Islam Makhachev’s absence. The current UFC lightweight champion hasn’t been seen in the cage since June. In the main event of UFC 302, Islam Makhachev faced longtime contender, Dustin Poirier. Despite entering the bout a massive favorite, ‘The Diamond’ made the dominant champion work. However, Makhachev still emerged with a fifth-round submission victory.
Arman Tsarukyan vs. Islam Makhachev 2 will reportedly take place “early next year”
Harry Kettle - September 9, 2024
Arman Tsarukyan vs Islam Makhachev 2 is reportedly set to take place early next year for the UFC world title. Right now, Islam Makhachev is considered by many to be the pound for pound best fighter in the UFC. While you may or may not agree with that assessment, there’s no way of denying what he’s been able to achieve as UFC lightweight champion.
Bellator champion Usman Nurmagomedov picks Islam Makhachev over Jon Jones in UFC pound-for-pound debate
Fernando Quiles - September 6, 2024
Usman Nurmagomedov has weighed in on the pound-for-pound debate. At the top of the official UFC pound-for-pound rankings currently is UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. UFC light heavyweight titleholder Alex Pereira has the number two spot, while Jon Jones sits at number three.
Sean O'Malley picks Islam Makhachev over Jon Jones in UFC's P4P debate
Curtis Calhoun - August 26, 2024
UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley is the latest high-profile fighter to part with Dana White’s stance on the UFC’s pound-for-pound discussion. UFC titleholders Islam Makhachev and Jon Jones are two of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the promotion at present. Makhachev as of this writing holds the top spot, with the heavyweight champion Jones at No. 3 behind Alex Pereira.
Bo Nickal laughs off idea that Islam Makhachev would be D1 NCAA wrestling champion
Harry Kettle - August 20, 2024
UFC prospect Bo Nickal has laughed off the idea that Islam Makhachev would be a D1 NCAA wrestling champion. As we know, Islam Makhachev is one of the scariest guys in all of mixed martial arts. In addition to his wrestling prowess, he’s also added some solid striking and great submission work to his game in recent years. In addition to that, he’s the reigning UFC lightweight champion – and he’s showing no signs of slowing down.
Mateusz Gamrot claims he'd outwrestle Islam Makhachev in potential UFC title fight
Curtis Calhoun - August 13, 2024
UFC lightweight contender Mateusz Gamrot thinks Islam Makhachev would be no match for him when it comes to wrestling. Gamrot will face Dan Hooker at UFC 305 this Saturday in Perth, Australia. He returns to the Octagon after defeating former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 299 in March.