As the anticipation builds for UFC 302, where Islam Makhachev is set to defend his lightweight title against Dustin Poirier, discussions about his skills and potential continue to circulate. One intriguing aspect is how Makhachev’s wrestling prowess compares to that of his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, the retired lightweight champion, left an indelible mark on the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA). His dominant wrestling and relentless pressure made him a force to be reckoned with inside the octagon. Now, as Islam Makhachev steps into the spotlight, comparisons are inevitable.
Bo Nickal’s Assessment of Islam Makhachev
Bo Nickal, a former standout collegiate wrestler and UFC middleweight, recently shared his perspective on Islam Makhachev’s wrestling abilities. Nickal believes that while Makhachev is “alright” on the mat, Khabib was superior in this key aspect. According to Nickal, Khabib had “much better wrestling overall.” However, he acknowledged that Makhachev possesses some “tricky, sneaky stuff” that sets him apart.
Bo Nickal stated on the podcast with Betr“I honestly haven’t watched a ton of film on him, I’ve watched some, and his wrestling is not like Khabib’s. Khabib has much better wrestling in my opinion overall, but he’s got tricky, sneaky stuff…
“I think his striking is maybe a little better than Khabib’s, a little sharper…it’s okay. It’s better than average. It’s not like world-class wrestling, but it’s good.”
Interestingly, Nickal also highlighted Makhachev’s striking. He suggested that Makhachev’s stand-up game might be a little sharper than Khabib’s. While not world-class, it is better than average. This assessment underscores Makhachev’s evolution as a fighter, combining solid wrestling with improved striking skills.
The Record and Legacy
Makhachev has the opportunity to equal Khabib Nurmagomedov’s record for lightweight title defenses if he emerges victorious against Poirier. A fourth successful defense would place him alongside legends like BJ Penn, Benson Henderson, and Frankie Edgar. Khabib’s shadow looms large, but Makhachev aims to etch his own name in the history books.
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