Islam Makhachev’s rise to the top of the UFC lightweight division has been nothing short of spectacular, but now, as he looks to further solidify his legacy, the question on many MMA fans’ minds is: Is he the true pound-for-pound (P4P) king?

 

 

Makhachev’s dominant performance in the octagon has earned him praise from fans, analysts, and fighters alike, but does that make him the best fighter in the world, regardless of weight class? As of now, Makhachev holds the UFC lightweight title, but many are wondering if his skills transcend just his division. After his thrilling victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 280, Makhachev seemed to prove that he is indeed one of the most well-rounded and technically gifted fighters in the sport today.

 

A Storied Career on the Rise

Makhachev’s journey to the top of the UFC began years before his title fight against Oliveira. A disciple of the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev adopted a similar style that focuses on pressure, elite grappling, and a suffocating control game. His fight IQ, striking, and ability to neutralize dangerous opponents in all phases of the fight have made him one of the most feared competitors in the UFC today.

 

 

What sets Makhachev apart is not just his ability to dominate in one area but his versatility and ability to adapt to any situation. His striking is continuously improving, and his wrestling remains second to none. Moreover, his composure inside the octagon, along with his unmatched conditioning and patience, has made him a nightmare for his opponents.

 

Defeating Oliveira: A Statement to the World

When Islam Makhachev faced Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 for the vacant lightweight title, many saw it as a battle between two of the most well-rounded fighters in the sport. Oliveira, who held the UFC record for finishes and submission victories, had been dominant in the lightweight division for years. However, Makhachev displayed his grappling superiority and striking precision to neutralize Oliveira’s dangerous skills and submit him in the second round.

 

 

This victory was monumental for several reasons. It not only earned Makhachev the UFC lightweight title but also showed the world that he is on another level. Oliveira, regarded as one of the best submission artists ever, was outclassed by Makhachev’s wrestling and grappling game. The performance elevated Makhachev’s status in the MMA world and brought more eyes to his potential as the pound-for-pound king.

 

The P4P Discussion: Is He the Best?

Despite his impressive victory, the discussion around Makhachev being the P4P king is a complex one. The current P4P rankings, which are based on a fighter’s overall dominance across all divisions, feature fighters like Jon Jones, Alexander Volkanovski, and Israel Adesanya at the top. All of these fighters have either long reigns in their respective divisions or have displayed exceptional skill and dominance over their competition.

 

 

Jon Jones, for example, is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. His blend of striking, wrestling, and fight IQ has made him virtually unbeatable at light heavyweight, and his recent return to the octagon at heavyweight only added to his case for the P4P title. Likewise, Alexander Volkanovski has dominated the featherweight division for years and holds wins over top-tier fighters, including a dominant win over Max Holloway.

 

Makhachev, while undoubtedly a talented and dominant force, has only just begun his reign in the UFC lightweight division. Some argue that more time and more dominant performances are necessary for him to solidify his place as the undisputed P4P king.

 

 

The Case for Makhachev as P4P King

On the other hand, there are those who believe that Makhachev’s skill set and dominant performances have already put him in the conversation as the best fighter in the world. His ability to control high-level opponents like Oliveira and his consistent domination in every phase of the fight give him a compelling case.

 

Additionally, Makhachev’s ability to fight at such a high level while maintaining Khabib Nurmagomedov’s championship-level mentality sets him apart. Much like Khabib, Makhachev is known for his unbreakable focus, discipline, and relentless pursuit of victory. His composure inside the octagon, paired with his technical mastery, makes him a force to be reckoned with—and for many, that makes him deserving of the P4P title.

 

 

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Makhachev?

As Makhachev continues to defend his title and build his legacy, the debate over his place in the P4P rankings will only intensify. His next few fights will be crucial in determining his place among the all-time greats. A potential matchup against top contenders like Beneil Dariush, Justin Gaethje, or even a rematch with Charles Oliveira could help cement Makhachev’s position as the true P4P king.

 

Makhachev has already shown that he can defeat some of the best fighters in the world, but to claim the P4P throne, he will need to continue showcasing his skill set against the best of the best, defend his title with consistency, and leave no doubt that he is the most complete fighter in the world.

 

 

Conclusion: Is Makhachev the P4P King?

The debate over whether Islam Makhachev is the pound-for-pound king is still ongoing, but his impressive skills, dominant performances, and impressive fight IQ have already placed him in the conversation. Whether or not he can claim the title of P4P king depends on how he continues to evolve as a fighter and how he fares in future bouts. One thing is for certain, though: Islam Makhachev is one of the most dangerous fighters in the world, and he has earned the respect of the entire MMA community.