A Calm and Confident Champion
As usual, Makhachev entered the post-fight press conference with his trademark calm demeanor, a stark contrast to the chaos that often surrounds high-profile UFC events. In his usual reserved style, Makhachev opened the conference by giving credit to his opponent, acknowledging the challenges they presented in the fight.
“I’m very happy with the win,” Makhachev began. “It was a tough opponent, but I stayed focused and followed my game plan. I believe I showed that I’m ready for the next level, and I will continue to improve.”
Despite his humility, Makhachev’s confidence was evident in his words. It’s clear that he feels more comfortable than ever atop the lightweight division, and with his dominant performances in the octagon, the belief in his ability to retain the title is undeniable.
Reflecting on the Victory
When asked about the specific moments that stood out during the fight, Makhachev was quick to credit his team and training camp for preparing him to handle every aspect of the contest. “We prepared for everything,” he explained. “I knew my opponent had dangerous striking, but I stayed calm and used my wrestling and grappling to control the fight.”
The Russian champion has always emphasized his well-rounded game, and in this fight, his ability to blend his grappling and striking to neutralize his opponent was evident. Makhachev’s control on the ground was a key factor in the victory, and he spoke about how his sambo background allows him to dictate the pace and flow of the fight. “When I get my hands on them, I know how to make them work,” Makhachev added with a smile.
One of the most intriguing moments in the press conference came when he was asked about his dominant performance in the later rounds of the fight. Makhachev credited his ability to remain composed and avoid rushing his attacks. “I’ve learned to stay patient in the octagon,” he said. “In my past fights, I sometimes wanted to finish too early. Now, I trust my conditioning and my corner to tell me when to push.”
The Journey to the Top
For Makhachev, the journey to becoming UFC lightweight champion has been a long and arduous one. The 31-year-old’s rise to the top of the division was not without its obstacles, but his relentless work ethic and dedication have made him one of the most feared fighters in the sport today.
When asked about the sacrifices he made on the path to the title, Makhachev reflected on his upbringing and the influence of his mentor, the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, the father of UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov. “I grew up learning discipline and how to be focused in the gym,” Makhachev said. “I’ve always had a goal in mind, and I knew that with hard work, I could make it to the top.”
He also spoke about how Khabib’s influence has been crucial to his development, both inside and outside the octagon. “Khabib has been like an older brother to me. He has taught me how to stay humble, how to respect my opponents, and how to stay grounded no matter where I am in my career.”
What’s Next for Makhachev?
As the newly crowned lightweight champion, Makhachev was inevitably asked about what’s next in his career. The lightweight division is one of the most stacked in the UFC, with contenders always rising to challenge the champion. Makhachev was clear in his response, indicating that he is ready for any challenge that comes his way.
“I’m here to defend my belt,” he said. “There are a lot of good fighters in this division, but I feel like I’ve proven that I’m the best. Whoever they put in front of me, I’ll be ready.”
One of the most anticipated matchups in the UFC lightweight division is a potential showdown with former champion Charles Oliveira. Oliveira, known for his incredible jiu-jitsu and finishing ability, has been vocal about wanting a rematch with Makhachev. However, when asked about Oliveira, Makhachev didn’t seem fazed by the prospect of facing the Brazilian again.
“I’m ready for anyone,” Makhachev said with a calm expression. “If Oliveira wants to fight, we’ll make it happen. But I’m focused on continuing to improve and stay on top. I want to show everyone that I’m not just the best in the lightweight division—I’m the best fighter in the world.”
Closing Thoughts: A Champion in the Making
As Makhachev wrapped up the press conference, it was clear that he is a man on a mission. His ability to remain calm and collected in the face of fame and competition sets him apart from many other fighters in the UFC. With a team that believes in him, a championship mindset, and a well-rounded skill set, Makhachev is poised to remain a dominant force in the lightweight division for years to come.
For now, Makhachev will continue to focus on his next fight, knowing that the eyes of the world will be watching closely. As the UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev’s journey is far from over, and with every passing fight, he solidifies his place as one of the top fighters in the world.
