Islam Makhachev reigns the UFC lightweight division and also holds the #1 position in the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings. However, he has always been compared with his mentor and UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov. Daniel Cormier recently commented on this after Makhachev beat Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. Here is what happened:
Islam Makhachev recently defeated Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. The Dagestani submitted Poirier in the fifth round with a d’arce choke. However, people were quick to criticize the lightweight champion and Daniel Cormier talked about it in a recent conversation with Xtra MMA.
Look, one of the things about Islam is you become a victim of expectation, right?… He showed that he can strike with a very dangerous striker and he was able to get a finish when he needed. So, I thought he did well. I thought Dustin did well but I think he falls victim to expectation. He’s not Khabib.
Daniel Cormier on Xtra MMA
While the Dagestani got a finish, Cormier said if he did not finish ‘The Diamond’, Makhachev would have still won that fight at least four rounds to one. The UFC veteran compared it with Nurmagomedov who was so outwardly dominant that no one ever saw him struggle. Cormier believes people think to expect the same thing from Islam and thus the comparison.
The lightweight division is one of the most competitive divisions in the UFC. Islam Makhachev became its champion back in 2022 and has since made three successful consecutive title defenses. Another win for Makhachev this year would mean he would surpass Khabib. The former champion previously held the record for the longest lightweight reign in the UFC.
Rafael Dos Anjos does not think Islam Makhachev can become a double champion
Islam Makhachev does not simply wish to retire as the lightweight champion. He wants the double champ status which he has recently iterated time and time again. However, Makhachev’s former opponent does not think the Dagestani would be successful.
Rafael Dos Anjos on Islam Makhachev ( Image via Imago)Rafael dos Anjos believes Islam Makhachev would not be able to handle the size difference to compete for a double champ status. Dos Anjos has fought in both lightweight and welterweight divisions. He recently placed his argument in a recent interview with Submission Radio.
He’s in a very good momentum right now, but I don’t think he can beat Leon Edwards and become a double champion. I just think like, the size difference. Leon is a much bigger guy, and we see smaller guys like Poirier giving Islam a lot of trouble.
Rafael dos Anjos on Submission Radio
Dos Anjos and Makhachev were supposed to fight at UFC 254. However, the fight was canceled. Later, as per Dana White, the Dagestani turned down a short-notice matchup against the Brazilian at UFC 272. It will be interesting to see if the lightweight champion remains in the 155 lbs weight class or moves up to prove Dos Anjos wrong and fight for the welterweight title.
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