Who is Greater? (Islam Makhachev vs Khabib Nurmagomedov)

In the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), few names carry the weight and respect of Khabib Nurmagomedov. The undefeated former UFC lightweight champion, known for his dominant grappling and near-flawless performances inside the Octagon, is widely considered one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. But now, with his protege Islam Makhachev rising to prominence, the question on everyone’s mind is:

Who is greater, Islam Makhachev or Khabib Nurmagomedov?

Makhachev, like Khabib, hails from the rugged Dagestan region of Russia and has been mentored by the former champion himself. The two share a similar fighting style, rooted in grappling, wrestling, and relentless pressure. But as Makhachev continues to make his mark in the UFC, many are starting to wonder if he could surpass his mentor’s legacy.

Khabib Nurmagomedov: The Unbeaten Champion

Khabib’s legacy is built on an undefeated record of 29-0, with victories over some of the toughest fighters in MMA history, including Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje. His reign as UFC lightweight champion was nothing short of dominant, and his fighting style—pressure wrestling and ground control—was virtually unbeatable. Khabib’s ability to neutralize his opponents and impose his will was unparalleled, making him one of the most feared fighters ever to grace the Octagon.

What made Khabib’s reign even more impressive was his consistency and mental toughness. He never faltered, never took a backward step, and consistently defeated opponents with the same methodical approach. His retirement in 2020, after defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, left a massive void in the lightweight division and the sport as a whole.

Islam Makhachev: The Heir to the Throne

While Khabib retired on top, Islam Makhachev has been the one to carry the torch for the next generation of Dagestani fighters. Makhachev, with his own 26-1 record, has steadily climbed up the ranks, using a similar dominant grappling-based style to control his opponents. He finally claimed the UFC lightweight title in 2022, defeating Charles Oliveira to cement his place as one of the best in the world.

Makhachev’s style is often compared to Khabib’s, with both fighters favoring a strong clinch game, relentless pressure, and expert ground control. However, what sets Makhachev apart is his striking. While Khabib was primarily a grappler, Makhachev has developed a more well-rounded game, incorporating solid striking into his arsenal. His patience, composure, and methodical approach to breaking down opponents mirror Khabib’s, but his ability to mix in his striking makes him a more versatile threat.

Makhachev’s victory over Oliveira was a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing his grappling ability and his calm under pressure. With a combination of outstanding takedowns and his ability to avoid danger on the feet, Makhachev quickly became one of the most dominant forces in the division.

Comparing the Two Fighters

When it comes to comparing Makhachev to Khabib, both fighters have similar strengths, including their grappling, wrestling, and fight IQ. But the key difference lies in their striking games and the era they fought in. Khabib fought in an era where the lightweight division was stacked with elite strikers like McGregor, Poirier, and Gaethje, and his success came largely through his ability to neutralize their striking and dominate them on the ground. Makhachev, on the other hand, has had the advantage of being able to blend striking and grappling more seamlessly, which may give him an edge in the modern MMA landscape.

Another important factor is their mentalities. Khabib’s mental toughness was legendary. He remained steadfast in his pursuit of greatness and was unwavering in his belief that he was the best. Makhachev has inherited that same mentality, but there’s a sense that his journey is slightly different. Khabib was more of a trailblazer for Dagestani fighters in the UFC, while Makhachev is the product of that wave of success, benefiting from Khabib’s mentorship and experience.

The Legacy Question

So, who is greater? It’s a question that doesn’t have an easy answer, but it largely depends on what metric we use to measure greatness. Khabib’s undefeated record and his incredible dominance during his reign as champion are tough to beat. He was the first to truly establish the Dagestani fighting style on the global stage, and his legacy has left an indelible mark on MMA.

Makhachev, however, is still in the midst of his career, and his trajectory points toward an equally impressive legacy if he continues on his current path. He has the potential to not only dominate the lightweight division but to also prove that he can be even more well-rounded than Khabib, with the added benefit of evolving the style that Khabib introduced to the UFC.

Conclusion: The Future of the Lightweight Division

Ultimately, both Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev have their own unique paths to greatness. Khabib’s legacy is firmly established, with his undefeated record and undisputed championship reign, while Makhachev is still building his own legacy and looks poised to carry the Dagestani mantle forward.

While it may be too early to declare Makhachev the greater fighter, his potential and current success make him a worthy successor to Khabib’s throne. The real question might not be who is greater now, but who will have the more complete legacy once Makhachev’s career comes to an end. One thing is for certain: both fighters will go down as legends of the sport, and the lightweight division has never been more exciting.