
The Legacy of Islam Makhachev: A Personal Journey
According to the label “no nonsense,” specific characteristics are automatically associated with a fighter. These individuals are typically more introverted in nature and do not engage in small talk or humor during interviews. They tend to stick to common phrases when discussing their fights or opponents, keeping their opinions guarded. They may not be perceived as the most affable, although the accuracy of this description is open for debate. At first glance, Islam Makhachev may appear to fit into this category of stoic individuals.
Makhachev is fiercely focused when he steps into the Octagon, resulting in brutal outcomes. While celebrating significant achievements, he maintains a calm and composed demeanor. Even after delivering a knockout to Alexander Volkanovski, Makhachev gestured for the Abu Dhabi audience to quiet down. Given his training partners’ background, it can be assumed that Makhachev is not one to exude charisma.
If one is not paying attention, they may miss it. Despite the understandable language barrier between him and the MMA fanbase, he initially appeared to be more reserved and shy. However, as he has become more familiar with the language and the responsibilities of being a top fighter, Makhachev’s characteristic smirk has become a more common sight. It is also worth noting that he has only lost once in 26 fights. As he prepares for a potential third defense of his lightweight title, the 32-year-old Makhachev appears to be at ease and confident ahead of his first fight in 2024.
The smile once again appears on his face when questioned about his upcoming opponent Dustin Poirier’s well-known habit of trying guillotine submissions.
According to Makhachev, he is fully prepared for his upcoming fight as he trains in New Jersey. He assures that he will be ready if his opponent attempts a guillotine move, as he has spent a significant amount of time practicing this position and is not caught off guard by it.
Joking aside, he remains objective when evaluating himself and his adversary.
According to Makhachev, his fighting style may not be ideal for Poirier, as Poirier is tied with Drew Dober for the most knockout victories in the lightweight category, with a total of nine. The lightweight champion has an impressive 61.2 percent success rate in takedowns, ranking fourth among all 155ers. Although Poirier has decent defensive skills in grappling, he has a record of 4-4 when taken down at least two times in a match, making grappling Makhachev’s easiest route to victory.
Having that in consideration, Makhachev has a great admiration for his opponent and anticipates numerous obstacles in store for him in “The Diamond.”
According to Makhachev, Dustin is a well-known figure in the MMA world, with a strong legacy of defeating numerous opponents. If I am able to emerge victorious and successfully finish him off, it would greatly elevate my own standing and legacy in the sport.

As Makhachev prepares for his potential third defense of the lightweight title, he has made his intentions clear. In his perspective, he has eliminated all possible challengers on his path to becoming champion.
This indicates that his next goal is to climb up the welterweight division and face the current champion, Leon Edwards.
In all honesty, I am nearly finished with my division and I am unsure of who will be my next opponent. The only one left is Arman Tsarukyan, whom I have already defeated. In my weight class, there are no appealing or thrilling fights for me. The current contender is Dustin, a renowned fighter who would provide a challenging match for my career. However, I am confident that I will emerge victorious and then await my next challenger.
It is understandable that individuals may disagree with this idea. Makhachev and Tsarukyan’s initial encounter occurred during the latter’s introduction to the UFC, and since then, the Armenian has been on a winning streak, including a recent victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300. The CEO of UFC, Dana White, promoted this fight as a potential contender for the No. 1 spot, so it is logical to assume that the matchmakers would arrange for a rematch between Makhachev and Tsarukyan.
In the UFC lightweight championship fight at the UFC 294 event on October 21, 2023, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Russia’s Islam Makhachev was victorious with a knockout against Australia’s Alexander Volkanovski. The reaction of Makhachev after the win was captured in a photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC, which can be seen below.
Russia’s Islam Makhachev showed his emotions following his winning by knockout against Australia’s Alexander Volkanovski in the UFC lightweight championship fight at the UFC 294 event held at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on October 21, 2023. The photo was captured by Chr.
Despite this, Makhachev has expressed his desire to achieve the status of being a double champion in the near future. However, he is not as focused on the impact of defending his title on his resume once it is all said and done.
However, that is all in the future. There may be concerns about Makhachev’s concentration as he ponders what will happen after Poirier, but it is simply a reflection of his current level of confidence. This is to be expected, especially after his victories over Volkanovski twice in 2023 and Oliveira to claim the championship in October 2022.
Upon further examination, it becomes clear that Makhachev is not only considered one of the top fighters in the world, but he also appears ready to make a move towards becoming a super star in Newark. This involves making a lasting impression in Brick City, a goal that he fully intends to achieve when he enters the arena on June 1.
According to him, spectators are always eager to witness the end result. His goal is to defeat Dustin Poirier by achieving this.
Catch every second of the UFC 302: Makhachev vs Poirier event, broadcasting live from Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The preliminary fights begin at 8pm ET/5pm PT, followed by the main card streaming live on PPV at 10pm ET/7pm PT.