In the footsteps of Nurmagomedov. Will Makhachev break Khabib’s UFC record?
Mikhail Korobov July 9, 2023, 19:15 Moscow time Audio version: Your browser does not support the audio element.
Will Islam aim for a 15-fight win streak in the UFC, or not even achieve Orel’s achievement?
Makhachev is the current UFC lightweight champion, as well as a two-time Russian and world champion in combat sambo.
The best predictions for today.
In total, Makhachev has 25 fights. Only in one of them, back in 2015, was he defeated. Now thanks to the 31-year-old athlete, 12 wins in a row in the UFC. To match the length of the unbeaten streak with famed compatriot Khabib Nurmagomedov, he only had to win one fight.
Makhachev writes history
Islam has the longest winning streak among current UFC fighters. Earlier this year, the Russian defeated UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. The duel turned out to be close and spectacular, but the Australian lost in the case, by unanimous decision of the judges.
It is worth noting that Makhachev did not approach the fight with Volkanovski in the most optimal way. He did not recover in the best way after the weight cut and did not show 100% of his own abilities. The 31-year-old wrestler’s movements showed lethargy and slowness.
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If the rematch with Volkanovski takes place, Islam will approach the fight as a clear favorite. Since Makhachev won on a bad tone, then on a good one he should win even more. There is no doubt that the fighter will further prepare for the fight and show all his power.
And who but Volkanovsky?
Alexander Volkanovski ranks second on the list of the best UFC fighters, regardless of weight class. Who but he is capable of defeating Makhachev? Is there anyone among the fighters active in the lightweight category who is capable of imposing a fight on a Russian?
A rematch between Makhachev and the notorious Charles Oliveira is planned for the near future. In the first fight, Islam won by applying a choke. As a result, he became the owner of the UFC lightweight title, and the Brazilian mentally broke down and got out of a rut for a long time.
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Young talent Arman Tsarukyan also dreams of a rematch with Makhachev. As of now, the 26-year-old is not a title contender, but he is moving quickly towards this goal. It is possible that after the rematches with Oliveira and Volkanovski, Islam will face Tsarukyan again.
Makhachev himself would like to face Dustin Poirier, who is one of the most media fighters in the UFC. The only question is whether the American has a chance to compete with Islam. Poirier is good on the stand, but as soon as he hits the ground, he’s most likely out of a job.
Makhachev is out of range
All these rivals are not seen as those who can stop the incredibly strong and technical Islam. Oliveira, Volkanovski, Poirier and Tsarukyan are all high-profile fighters, but the reigning UFC lightweight champion looks like a favorite ahead of fights with them.
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Everything leads to the fact that in the future Makhachev will clean up the division. Will you want to try your luck in another weight class? Until we start to guess. We only point out that in the near future he has very good prospects to strengthen his undefeated streak.
Islam will actually show that he is the strongest in the division.
We offer to put the fact that Makhachev will win 15 consecutive victories in the UFC, by a factor of 2.65. It looks like the reigning UFC lightweight champion will continue to dominate. He will have to prove that he really is the strongest in his weight class. In our opinion, he is up to the task.
Tender: Islam Makhachev will earn 15 straight UFC wins before the end of his career at 2.65.
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