UFC LEGENDS Explain How SCARY Islam Makhachev Really is
Former two-division champion Daniel Cormier knows that reality better than most. Having spent years training alongside Makhachev at the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, Cormier recalled the moment he realized just how exceptional the lightweight truly was.
“There’ve been moments in practice where I’m going with Khabib or Islam, and I’m the big guy,” Cormier explained, describing the physical dynamics of elite sparring. “So, generally, when a smaller guy gets on top of you, once you decide it’s over, you just toss him off. No technique, no skill. You literally grab him and throw him off.”
Cormier paused, recalling a specific wrestling session. “I’m grappling with Islam once, and I try to throw him off of me, but he’s still there. So I give him a little harder shove—and he’s still there. Next thing you know, I’m grappling at one hundred percent because the guy is that strong. I’d never really grappled with him at that kind of pace before, so I didn’t recognize the strength when he was trying to hold me down.”
Coming from a world-class wrestler who spent his career battling heavyweights, the admission underscored a rare level of physical power hidden beneath Makhachev’s weight class.
That physical baseline was cultivated over decades under the watchful eye of the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. His son, former undefeated champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, often reflects on the deep bond his father shared with Islam.
“Islam was my father’s favorite student,” Khabib shared, his voice filled with nostalgia. “I’m his son, but when I watched all the students, Islam was his favorite. He always told me, ‘You’re three years older. When you become champion and your fire goes down a little bit, Islam is going to come up.'”
At the time, Khabib questioned the timeline. “I was like, ‘What are you talking about?’ But look at it now. I was champion, defended my title three times, and retired. Islam went on a ten-fight win streak, one of the longest in the organization’s history. I really believed he would become champion because this is my father’s legacy.”
Khabib recalled the skepticism surrounding Islam’s title shot against Charles Oliveira. “A few hours before, everyone was talking about how Charles was going to finish him. The whole world was focused on Charles. Then Islam made it look clear and decisive. We just want to compete against the best because Islam has proven his place at the top.”
Even those who tested Makhachev to his absolute limits came away with profound respect for his attributes. Dustin Poirier, who engaged in a grueling war with the champion, broke down the subtle differences between fighting Khabib and fighting Islam.
“The takedowns are different, though the pressure feels similar,” Poirier noted after their championship encounter. “Islam uses a lot of upper-body control and clinches up high. Khabib would shoot lower. I felt Khabib was physically heavier, but Islam’s squeeze was incredible. That torque he got on the choke felt like a vise grip.”
Poirier reflected on the flow of their fight, noting the awkward rhythm Makhachev presents in exchanges. “His movement is really unique. The timing is strange, making it hard to catch his cadence. I wanted to open up and throw more volume, but whenever he committed in the pocket, his exit angles and head dips made it tricky. My corner kept telling me to throw the knee, but I felt like I’d get taken down off it. It wasn’t what I expected, but at that level, you have to possess every tool.”
As Makhachev continues to solidify his standing, the conversation naturally shifts toward higher weight classes and potential super-fights. Emerging contenders and analysts alike closely monitor his ability to transition between divisions, questioning how his technical wrestling and striking power will translate against naturally larger opponents at venues like Madison Square Garden.
Interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has openly voiced his admiration for Makhachev’s composure and willingness to face tough challenges on short notice. For Aspinall, who holds a deep background in Brazilian jiu-jitsu alongside his striking prowess, Makhachev’s complete skill set represents the modern ideal of combat sports excellence.
Even former rivals from previous eras acknowledge the standard Makhachev has set. Veterans like Michael Chandler have noted that while skepticism often surrounds rising prospects, Makhachev’s dominant performances against top-tier competition eliminated any doubt regarding his status.
Veteran commentator Joe Rogan, who has called fights since the early days of Makhachev’s promotional debut, echoed those sentiments, pointing to defining moments where Makhachev’s striking evolved to match his grappling mastery—most notably his high-kick stoppage over Alexander Volkanovski.
“That was the moment everyone realized he was reaching a completely new dimension,” Rogan observed during a broadcast. “He became one of the most complete martial artists of this era.”
As Makhachev’s career continues to unfold, his trajectory remains one of the most compelling narratives in modern sports—a blend of heritage, elite preparation, and absolute control that leaves opponents, legends, and fans in unanimous agreement regarding his place at the top.
