Dagestani origins and the journey to the top
Islam Makhachev was born and raised in Dagestan, in the Russian Republic, where martial arts are deeply rooted in the culture. At the age of seven, he began training in taekwondo under the tutelage of renowned master Seyfula Magomedov. He later moved on to sanda, where he met Abubakar Nurmagomedov and later Khabib Nurmagomedov, who became a close friend and training partner.
Makhachev's childhood was full of street fighting, which is part of Dagestani culture. His coach, Magomedov, often pitted the boys against each other to learn how to defend themselves and develop their skills. After a year of training in freestyle wrestling, Makhachev went into mixed martial arts under the tutelage of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, inspired by Khabib's success as a professional fighter. Interestingly, Makhachev was a fan of the UFC since childhood, his favourite fighters being Tank Abbott and Ken Shamrock.
Islam Makhachev's training method
discipline and versatility
Makhachev's training method is a blend of traditional Dagestani wrestling, sambo and MMA-specific techniques, backed up by rigorous physical preparation. His training is based on a multi-faceted approach, which includes the following aspects:
Wrestling
Wrestling is the cornerstone of Makhachev's fighting style. He devotes much of his training time to practising takedowns, positional control and dominance on the ground. He hones one- and two-legged takedowns, practices transitions through sambo training and sparring with top-level partners to simulate real fighting situations. This consistent wrestling work ensures that Makhachev always has the ability to dictate the position of the fight and put his opponent in a position that works to his advantage.
Striking technique
Although wrestling is Makhachev's strongest point, he is also a dangerous striker. He trains regularly in Muay Thai and boxing to be a versatile fighter and dangerous both standing and on the ground. His striking training includes pad work to improve accuracy, timing and power, and controlled sparring to seamlessly integrate striking with wrestling techniques. This focus on punching technique ensures that he can also fight successfully in the standing position and create favourable situations for takedowns.
Strength and endurance training
Strength training and endurance training are essential for Makhachev to maintain his high-intensity style throughout the fight. His workouts often include explosive exercises such as kettlebell swings, turkey lifts and medicine ball throws, combined with cardio exercises such as hill running, sprints and endurance running to develop stamina. Bodyweight exercises such as arm curls, chin-ups and core muscle training help him improve functional strength and maintain a fighter's physique.
In addition to gym workouts, Makhachev prefers to do cardio workouts in the fresh air to challenge his body even more. He also lifts heavy weights to increase strength and endurance, with heavy deadlifts being an essential part of his strength training.
Makhachev follows a strict schedule, training up to 6 days a week, balancing technique, sparring, strength and endurance training. Cardio is an essential part of his routine, using running, swimming and high intensity interval training (HIIT) to increase endurance. Preparation for competitions involves a careful focus on fight strategy, opponent analysis and intensifying training regimes as the competition date approaches. It is interesting to note that Makhachev is critical of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, preferring his Dagestani wrestling heritage.
The personality of Islam Makhachev
humble and dedicated
Although fierce and uncompromising in the ring, Makhachev is a modest and calm man outside it. He is deeply attached to his family and friends and values loyalty and self-sacrifice. He doesn't care about the limelight or amassing wealth, but is keen to honour his former trainer and support his hard-working parents. His modest and disciplined personality is reflected in his fighting style, which is calculated and dominant.
Makhachev's personality has become more open over time as he has overcome the language barrier and become more comfortable as a top fighter. His trademark grin is a smile that reflects his confidence and satisfaction with his achievements.
Islam Makhachev's plans for the future
defending the title and new challenges
Makhachev is committed to defending his title and seeking new challenges. He is aware that everyone wants to take his title and is ready to defend himself against any challenger. In his last two fights, Makhachev defeated Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano, who is also a top level fighter.
Possible opponents include Arman Tsarukyan, with whom he had a close encounter in 2019, which ended with Makhachev winning by a judges' decision. Makhachev on kindel, et suudab Tsarukyani seekord alistada enne kolmanda raundi lõppu. Another potential opponent is Charles Oliveira, whom Makhachev beat for the title.
summary
Hailing from Dagestan, Islam Makhachev is a talented and dedicated fighter who has conquered the top of the UFC lightweight division with an impressive winning streak and dominant wrestling style. His unique training method, which combines traditional Dagestani wrestling, sambo and MMA-specific techniques, has made him a difficult opponent to defeat. Makhachev is a humble and dedicated athlete, ready to defend his title against any challenger.
His future in the UFC is bright and full of excitement. Makhachev's goal is to cement his place as one of the best lightweight fighters in history. His next fights are sure to be spectacular and will help cement his legacy. However, he will also face challenges as competition in the lightweight division is fierce and every fighter is looking for a chance to rise to the top. Makhachev's ability to adapt and evolve will determine his future success.