As Islam Makhachev gears up to defend his lightweight title against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302, his impressive resume of fights showcases his dominance and skill in the octagon. Here are three of his most notable and memorable bouts that define his career leading up to this pivotal fight:
1. Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284
Fight Overview:
Event: UFC 284
Date: February 12, 2023
Result: Makhachev wins via unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47)
Bonus: Fight of the Night
Details:
In a highly anticipated clash, Islam Makhachev defended his lightweight title against featherweight champion and then pound-for-pound king, Alexander Volkanovski. This bout was historic as it was the first time the top two pound-for-pound fighters faced each other in the UFC. The fight, held in Volkanovski's home country of Australia, lived up to the hype with both fighters showcasing their elite skills.
Volkanovski's exceptional anti-wrestling and grappling defenses were on display, making it a challenging fight for Makhachev. Despite being dropped in the fifth round, Makhachev's striking and tactical prowess earned him a unanimous decision victory. The bout was highly competitive and earned the Fight of the Night bonus.
Highlights:
- The tactical back-and-forth battle between the top pound-for-pound fighters.
- Makhachev's striking improvements and ability to adapt to Volkanovski's defense.
- The thrilling fifth round where Volkanovski dropped Makhachev, showcasing his resilience.
2. Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan at UFC Fight Night 149
Fight Overview:
Event: UFC Fight Night 149
Date: April 20, 2019
Result: Makhachev wins via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Bonus: Fight of the Night
Details:
One of Makhachev's toughest and most competitive fights came against Arman Tsarukyan, who made his UFC debut on short notice. At just 22 years old, Tsarukyan proved to be a formidable opponent, matching Makhachev's wrestling and grappling skills.
The bout was a high-paced, technical display of wrestling and grappling exchanges, with both fighters showing exceptional skill and endurance. Makhachev ultimately won by unanimous decision, but Tsarukyan's performance earned him recognition as a rising star in the lightweight division. This fight was the first Fight of the Night bonus for both fighters.
Highlights:
- The intense grappling exchanges showcasing high-level wrestling.
- Makhachev's ability to secure key positions and control the fight.
- Tsarukyan's impressive debut, pushing Makhachev to his limits.
3. Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira at UFC 280
Fight Overview:
Event: UFC 280
Date: October 22, 2022
Result: Makhachev wins via submission (2nd round, arm-triangle choke)
Bonus: Performance of the Night
Details:
Islam Makhachev captured the vacant lightweight title with a dominant performance against Charles Oliveira, who was on a remarkable winning streak having defeated top contenders like Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler, and Tony Ferguson. Oliveira's striking and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu were considered significant threats to Makhachev.
However, Makhachev showcased his superior grappling and striking. He executed a Judo throw in the first round and controlled Oliveira on the ground. In the second round, Makhachev dropped Oliveira with a right hook and quickly transitioned to an arm-triangle choke, forcing Oliveira to tap out. This victory earned Makhachev the Performance of the Night bonus and the lightweight championship.
Highlights:
- Makhachev's flawless execution of grappling techniques against a BJJ expert.
- The knockdown and quick transition to a submission finish in the second round.
- Makhachev's crowning moment as the new lightweight champion.
Islam Makhachev's journey to UFC 302 is marked by these defining fights, showcasing his evolution as a fighter and his ability to handle top-level competition. His victories over Alexander Volkanovski, Arman Tsarukyan, and Charles Oliveira demonstrate his comprehensive skill set and his readiness to defend his title against any challenger, including the formidable Dustin Poirier.
