UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is known for his wrestling and grappling skills. However, the Dagestani superstar has shown that his game has improved with his recent knockout wins.
Islam Makhachev vs Alex Volkanovski UFC 294
Islam Makhachev has defended his UFC lightweight title twice, both against Alexander Volkanovski. At that time, Volk was the reigning UFC featherweight champion who was on a tear in his division. The UFC booked a super fight between the two at UFC 284 where Volkanovski gave Makhachev all that he could handle. Although Islam beat Alex in that bout, he needed all five rounds to take the win and the scores were close at 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46.
Volk’s performance at UFC 284 earned him a rematch with Makhachev. This was booked for UFC 294 last 21 October 2023 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. In that bout, it was clear that Islam wanted to end the fight early because he wanted to prove that their first bout was a fluke. Volkanovsi was seemingly thrown off by Islam’s aggressiveness and willingness to trade on the feet. Near the two-minute mark, Islam landed a leg kick to the temple that hurt Volk. He went in for the kill and it was a convincing win for the Dagestani star.
Islam Makhachev vs Bobby Green UFC UFC Fight Night 202
A rising Islam Makhachev was supposed to fight Beneil Dariush at the main event of UFC Fight Night 202 but two weeks before the event, Dariush withdrew from the bout because of an ankle injury. Needing to save the event, Makhachev accepted a short-notice fight against veteran Bobby Green. But because Green didn’t have enough time to prepare, the bout was booked at a catchweight of 160 pounds.
Not only did Makhachev fight at a higher weight than usual, but he also had to change his fight plans as he trained to fight a more skilled opponent in Dariush. In Green, Islam fought a banger who holds the UFC lightweight record for most strikes landed ever. Before they fought, Green had won five out of his last seven bouts. But Makhachev did not allow Green to reach the 4-minute mark of the opening round and stopped him via ground and pound.
Islam Makhachev vs Gleison Tibau UFC 220
They say that the first knockout is always memorable. For Islam Makhachev, that first KO win in the UFC came against veteran Brazilian fighter Gleison Tibau. Tibau’s 16 wins in the UFC lightweight division are the third-most in the weight class. But against an up-and-coming star in Makhachev, Gleison was no match.
Makhachev is more known for his submission victories. But at UFC 220, Islam showed to the world that he also had knockout power. The fight was heading to its first minute when the Dagestani connected with a powerful punch that slept the Brazilian. The end came at 57 seconds in the first round and is Makhachev’s fastest UFC win to date.