Khabib Nurmagomedov reigned as the most dominant lightweight fighter on the roster till 2020. Following his retirement, Islam Makhachev has emerged as another dominant force in the division. Former opponent Alexander Volkanovski believes Makhachev has taken his game to the next level by unlocking high-level striking skills.
Makhachev recently defended his title against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. Many consider Poirier to have the best boxing in the UFC. Nevertheless, Makhachev found success against the Louisiana native. Alexander Volkanovski praised the lightweight champion for his impressive striking, noting how he outstruck a fighter as skilled as Poirier in a recent interview.
I was quite surprised at how much he (Makhachev) outstruck Poirier. I think people aren’t talking about it enough. He landed a lot more significant strikes than Poirier, which was very impressive.
Alexander Volkanovski to FreeStylebender
Islam Makhachev is well-known for his dominant wrestling skills, allowing him to control his fights. It was a significant achievement for him to defeat Dustin Poirier with significant success on the feet, given the veteran’s victories over fighters like Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler, and Max Holloway. Makhachev was well-prepared for Poirier’s striking abilities and showcased his high-level striking during the bout.
⚡️Alexander Volkanovski thinks that Makhachev outstruck Poirier in their fight.
“I was quite surprised at how much he [Makhachev] outstruck Poirier. I think people aren’t talking about it enough. He landed a lot more significant shots than Poirier, which was very impressive.”… pic.twitter.com/57AhWsl5b1
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) July 4, 2024
This victory raised the question of who would step up to challenge such a dominant champion. Opponents will now have to watch out for the evolving striking skills as well. Arman Tsarukyan may be the next challenger for Makhachev, but another fighter has also expressed interest to face the undisputed lightweight champion.
Max Holloway ready for Islam Makhachev challenge after win at UFC 300
The newly crowned BMF champion Max Holloway expressed his intention to fight Islam Makhachev someday. While Ilia Topuria remains one of the next potential fights for him, the Hawaiian star has not shied away from his ambition for the 155 crown.
Max Holloway vs. Justin Gaethje (via X)Since the UFC 300 BMF title fight was contested at 155, it makes sense for Holloway to receive a ranking at lightweight, provided he defeated his opponent. As such, in an interview with Kevin Iole, ‘Blessed’ said he wanted to fight Islam Makhachev if he defeated Justin Gaethje at UFC 300.
If I can go out there and get my hand raised, then there’s a lot of fights that can be there for us. One of them being the (155 pound) champ which I think would be a fun one.
Max Holloway to Kevin Iole
Max Holloway isn’t ruling out a fight against Islam Makhachev if he defeats Justin Gaethje at #UFC300 👀
“If I can go out there and get my hand raised… there’s a lot of fights that can be there for us. One of them being the [155 pound] champ which I think would be a fun one.”… pic.twitter.com/pPWOXoiWHi
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 3, 2024
At UFC 300, Max Holloway outperformed Justin Gaethje with his exceptional striking. That victory over Gaethje has opened various doors for Holloway. For now, Holloway will receive a title shot at featherweight against Ilia Topuria. If he prevails over Topuria, a champion vs. champion matchup against Makhachev remains exciting.
On the other hand, Tsarukyan remains the likely option for Makhachev. As such, the Holloway vs. Makhachev matchup will not happen for now. Nevertheless, if they both keep winning, the UFC might book the title fight without any hesitation.
