Islam Makhachev is already among the greatest UFC lightweights of all time. Dubbed the ‘next Khabib Nurmagomedov‘, he certainly has big shoes to fill. And while he lost to Adriano Martins on his UFC debut, he has put together an undefeated streak of twelve wins since then.
Now the champ is gearing up to take on Charles Oliveira at UFC 294 to defend his title after defeating the Brazilian at UFC 280 last year to capture the lightweight title. The bout may prove to be a legacy-defining fight for both men. Let us look at Makhachev’s martial arts background as he gets ready to face the BJJ black belt.
Does Islam Makhachev have a black belt?
Islam Makhachev is a Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. He has been practicing Judo since he was a toddler and has participated in combat sambo, where he won a gold medal at the 2016 World Combat Sambo Championship.
He also earned an International Master of Sport in Combat Sambo. Makhachev is well-known for his strong grappling abilities and ability to keep his opponents on the ground under control. The Dagestani is Khabib Nurmagomedov’s childhood friend and trained under the former lightweight champion’s father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
Charles Oliveira promises to win in rematch after disappointing UFC 280 performance
Oliveira’s performance in the first fight was abysmal. The Dagestani defeated the Sao Paulo native in the opening round and dominated for most of the round. The Brazilian was doing better in the second round. He effectively coped with a torrent of Dagestani attacks. But Makhachev quickly caught him with an overhand right and forced Oliviera to submit for the victory. Oliveira has admitted to not feeling himself in that fight and has pledged to do better in the rematch.
The Charles that you’re gonna see is the Charles that you know that’s thirsty for victory, that’s hungry, someone who’s back at it, and a lion that’s always hunting.” he said after the loss.
And he’ll have the chance to do so at UFC 294 on October 21 in the United Arab Emirates. Another much-anticipated battle is Khamzat Chimaev’s return to the ring after a year away. He will face #6 rated middleweight Paulo Costa in a fight that many believe may have title implications in the near future.
As his comment implies, Oliveira is determined to avenge his setback. Most people believe he will fail to overcome the tough Dagestani. But, as previously said, Oliveira has a tendency to prove people wrong. Anyone who dismisses Charles ‘Do Bronx’ Oliveira is unaware of the guy and fighter he is.
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