Russian lightweight contender Islam Makhachev has been earmarked as the man to take over the mantle from the retiring Khabib Nurmagomedov. Who bestowed that on him? Khabib himself.
Despite receiving a glowing endorsement from the undefeated former champion, Makhachev has struggled to break into the top five of the UFC’s lightweight division, largely because the division’s top men simply don’t seem that keen on facing him.
Given his performances inside the octagon, it’s not hard to see why. The 29-year-old has a career record of 19-1, and is riding a seven-fight win streak heading into UFC Vegas 31.
Makhachev’s run of form has seen him score victories over Chris Wade, Nik Lentz, Gleison Tibau, Kajan Johnson, Arman Tsarukyan, Davi Ramos and Drew Dober.
Now Makhachev will look to extend that run to eight in a row when he takes on Brazil’s Thiago Moises in the main event at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Ahead of fight night, check out Makhachev’s dominant displays over the past five years via the video below.
