Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev established himself as one of the most dominant UFC Lightweight Champions in recent history before vacating the title to pursue a historic move up in weight class. His reign at lightweight was defined by a grappling-heavy approach that neutralized elite competition at every turn, earning him widespread recognition as one of the sport's most technically complete fighters.

On November 15, 2025, Makhachev captured the UFC Welterweight Championship at UFC 322, defeating Jack Della Maddalena via unanimous decision to become a two-division UFC champion. The victory cemented his place among the sport's all-time elite and demonstrated that his grappling-based system translates effectively across weight classes. Rooted in Sambo and BJJ principles, his fighting style remains the cornerstone of his dominance whether competing at 155 or 170 pounds.

A Seamless Grappling System

Makhachev's success inside the UFC octagon is built on a foundational grappling system that blends Sambo, wrestling, and BJJ-influenced submission hunting into a suffocating whole. His ability to chain takedowns directly into dominant positional control — and then threaten meaningful submissions from those positions — separates him from the majority of elite MMA grapplers. His transitions from takedown to ground control to submission attempt unfold with a fluidity that leaves opponents little time to establish a defensive base.

Arm locks, rear naked chokes, and body triangle control appear repeatedly throughout his finishing record, reflecting a fighter who does not settle for top position but actively hunts for the finish.

Makhachev vs. Khabib: Submission Depth

Frequent comparisons are drawn between Makhachev's grappling and that of his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov, though analysts and practitioners within the BJJ and MMA communities consistently note a key distinction. Where Nurmagomedov was celebrated for positional dominance and suffocating pressure, Makhachev integrates a notably broader submission threat into his arsenal — combining that same pressure with a diversified finishing game that keeps opponents guessing from the moment a fight reaches the ground.

Makhachev participated in a widely shared grappling session with internet personality and streamer Adin Ross, bringing his techniques in front of a massive audience with little to no prior exposure to combat sports. The session covered foundational grappling concepts, takedown mechanics, and control positions, functioning as an accessible introduction to the principles that underpin both wrestling and BJJ for viewers who would not typically engage with martial arts content.

The interaction illustrated how elite MMA grapplers can serve as bridges between niche combat sports audiences and mainstream pop culture. By working through techniques in a relaxed, demonstrative setting with a figure known primarily outside the sports world, Makhachev generated meaningful visibility for grappling arts among demographics that rarely encounter them.

Within the BJJ and MMA communities, the session sparked discussion about outreach, the role of high-profile competitors in growing the sport's audience, and the effectiveness of informal, social-media-driven exposure as a complement to traditional competition coverage.

The Core of the Critique

Makhachev publicly questioned the credentials of certain BJJ black belts competing in MMA, specifically targeting those who hold the rank without having competed in Jiu-Jitsu at a meaningful level. His position was direct: a black belt should represent demonstrated competitive ability rather than accumulated training time or gym affiliation.

The comments generated significant debate across the grappling community, touching on belt standards, the distinction between sport BJJ and MMA grappling, and how rank and expertise should be evaluated across multiple competitive contexts. For many practitioners, the criticism resonated as part of a longer-running conversation about rank inflation within BJJ and whether competition experience should serve as a baseline requirement for advancement.

Why His Voice Carries Weight

Makhachev's perspective carries particular authority given his elite grappling background and his track record of submitting high-level opponents throughout his UFC career. His standing as a two-division champion who has tested his grappling against the best competition in the world lends credibility to his position that rank should be earned through demonstrated performance — not granted through affiliation or tenure alone.