When it comes to UFC fighters, few possess the combination of skill, composure, and sheer dominance that Islam Makhachev brings to the octagon. The Russian lightweight has made waves in the UFC, and his rise to the top of the division has been anything but slow. As Makhachev continues to steamroll through the competition, many UFC fighters and analysts alike have started to weigh in on what makes the Dagestani fighter so terrifying—and why he’s one of the most dangerous men in the UFC today.
An Unstoppable Force in the Octagon
Islam Makhachev’s career trajectory has been meteoric, and it’s not just his impressive record that has people talking. His 12-fight win streak, including dominant victories over top contenders and former champions, speaks volumes about his skill set. Fighters who have shared the octagon with him or trained alongside him are quick to point out one thing—Makhachev’s blend of striking, wrestling, and grappling is terrifyingly complete.
UFC veteran Rafael dos Anjos, who fought Makhachev in 2021, said it best: “What makes Islam scary is his ability to impose his will in every aspect of the fight. He’s dangerous everywhere—on the feet, in the clinch, on the ground—there’s no area where he’s not a threat.”
Makhachev’s all-around game is one of the most well-rounded in the UFC today. His wrestling, which he learned growing up in the mountains of Dagestan, is suffocating. He’s able to control the pace of the fight and neutralize even the most dangerous strikers, making it almost impossible for opponents to get comfortable.
The Pressure of Makhachev’s Wrestling
Many of Islam Makhachev’s opponents have spoken about the sheer physical pressure they experience when trying to deal with his wrestling game. UFC fighter Beneil Dariush, who faced Makhachev in 2022, explained how Makhachev’s grappling leaves very little room for error.
“He’s one of the most relentless wrestlers I’ve faced,” Dariush said after his loss to Makhachev. “You try to defend one takedown, and before you know it, he’s already transitioned into another position. He’s not just looking to take you down—he’s looking to take your will and break you mentally.”
That ability to wear opponents down with constant pressure is what makes Makhachev so dangerous. Even if he doesn’t land a perfect takedown right away, the constant threat of it forces his opponents to adjust their game plan, often making them hesitant in their own attacks. This, in turn, allows Makhachev to dictate the fight.
Makhachev’s Fight IQ: Always Two Steps Ahead
One of the most consistently praised aspects of Islam Makhachev’s skill set is his fight IQ. UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev’s long-time training partner and mentor, has always spoken about how Makhachev’s understanding of the fight game is exceptional.
“Islam is one of the smartest fighters I’ve ever trained with,” Khabib said. “He’s always thinking two or three steps ahead. He doesn’t just fight; he sets traps, and when his opponent falls into them, that’s when he goes for the kill.”
This high-level fight IQ allows Makhachev to stay calm under pressure, make quick adjustments, and pick apart opponents with surgical precision. It’s this ability to think ahead and control the fight that makes him such a dangerous opponent.
The Striking That Makes Him Unpredictable
Though Makhachev is primarily known for his wrestling and grappling, his striking is another tool that’s often overlooked. What sets Makhachev’s striking apart from other wrestlers is his ability to use it to set up his takedowns. He doesn’t just rush into exchanges—he uses his strikes to close the distance, keep opponents guessing, and then clinch or take them down.
UFC fighter Charles Oliveira, who was defeated by Makhachev in a lightweight title fight, spoke about how Makhachev’s striking kept him guessing. “You think he’s coming in for the takedown, and then he surprises you with a punch. It’s that unpredictability that makes him so difficult to deal with.”
Makhachev’s striking is measured, effective, and precise, adding another layer to his already terrifying game. It keeps opponents on edge and forces them to always respect his threat, even when they’re not on the ground.
The Mentality of a Champion
Beyond his technical skill and physical attributes, Islam Makhachev’s mentality is what truly sets him apart. UFC commentator and former fighter Daniel Cormier pointed out that Makhachev’s mentality is one of the main reasons why he’s been able to dominate.
“Islam is so mentally tough,” Cormier said. “When you’re dealing with someone who never breaks, who never panics, and who can stay calm under any situation, that’s a problem. He’s not just fighting for a win—he’s fighting to break his opponent, to completely dominate them in every sense of the word.”
That mental fortitude is a key element in Makhachev’s success. Even when he faces adversity, he never lets it faze him. He remains composed, sticks to his game plan, and waits for the right moment to strike.
UFC Fighters’ Final Thoughts on Makhachev’s Dominance
As Islam Makhachev continues to rise in the ranks, many UFC fighters agree that his reign is just beginning. His ability to dominate opponents both physically and mentally, combined with his complete skill set, makes him one of the most terrifying fighters in the lightweight division and the entire promotion.
“Islam Makhachev is the complete package,” said UFC fighter Michael Chandler. “His fight IQ, his physical attributes, his wrestling, his striking—he’s one of the scariest guys in the UFC right now. You have to be on your A-game every second if you want to have any chance against him.”
In Makhachev, the UFC has a champion who combines power, intelligence, and a relentless mentality. His ability to out-think, out-wrestle, and out-strike his opponents is a combination that has made him a truly scary presence in the octagon. If he continues on this trajectory, Islam Makhachev is destined to leave an indelible mark on the sport—and perhaps become one of the most dominant champions in UFC history.
Conclusion: The Legacy of a Scary Champion
Islam Makhachev may not be a household name just yet, but for anyone who steps into the octagon with him, there’s no question: he’s a fighter who is here to stay. His technical mastery, combined with his mental toughness and unbreakable will, makes him one of the most feared fighters in the sport today. As Makhachev continues to climb, the entire UFC world is taking notice—because when you face Islam Makhachev, you’re not just fighting a man, you’re fighting a living, breathing force of nature.
