Islam Makhachev went beyond one Khabib Nurmagomedov record with title win over Alexander Volkanovski

On October 21, 2023, Islam Makhachev beat Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294, effectively protecting his light-weight belt. Makhachev won the fight in the preliminary with a knockout, using a head kick and follow-up ground strikes. This triumph significant Makhachev’s 2nd win against Volkanovski, as he had actually formerly beat him by means of consentaneous choice at UFC 284 in February 2023.

The significance of Makhachev’s win surpasses his effective defense of the light-weight belt. He has actually likewise exceeded the record of his youth good friend and coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov, by accomplishing 3 KO/TKO wins in the UFC compared to Nurmagomedov’s 2. Prior to UFC 294, Makhachev and Nurmagomedov had similar KO/TKO triumph records.

Makhachev’s general expert MMA record stands at 25 wins and 1 loss, with 14 of those triumphes can be found in the UFC. In contrast, Nurmagomedov retired with an unbeaten 29-0 MMA record, consisting of 13 wins in the UFC. Makhachev’s very first UFC knockout win happened in January 2018 against Gleison Tibau, while his next TKO win was available in February 2022 against Bobby Green.

The concept of Makhachev being a more well-rounded light-weight fighter than Nurmagomedov was raised by Javier Mendez, their long time coach at AKA. In an interview in 2022, Mendez acknowledged Nurmagomedov’s unbeaten record and abilities however specified that Makhachev is the much better striker and has a more detailed skillset in MMA. Mendez even reached to declare Makhachev as the very best light-weight of perpetuity, mentioning his defense, striking, and general athleticism as unrivaled.

In conclusion, Islam Makhachev’s triumph over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294 not just strengthened his status as the ruling light-weight champ however likewise went beyond a significant record held by his coach Khabib Nurmagomedov. With 3 KO/TKO wins in the UFC, Makhachev has actually differentiated himself as a well-rounded fighter and has actually made acknowledgment from his coach as the very best light-weight of perpetuity.