UFC star Paul Craig, the Scottish fighter, offered a candid, provocative assessment of Islam Makhachev, praising the lightweight champion as one of the most exceptional mixed martial artists across all weight classes. The remarks surfaced in conversations reported by Sports24 following a recent sit-down with James Lynch, capturing a moment of bold appreciation from a peer in the sport.
Craig asserted that Makhachev stands as the premier fighter in the sport, admitting that some fans push back against the aggressive, control-focused Russian approach. He underscored that the strategy delivers consistent results and remains highly effective at the pinnacle of competition, where a razor-thin margin separates victory from defeat. For many, such bravado from a respected competitor only amplifies the intrigue surrounding Makhachev’s uniquely methodical style and its impact on the sport’s evolving tactical playbook.
On October 21, Makhachev delivered a standout performance at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi, closing the show with a knockout over Alex Volkanovski in the main event. The finish was swift and decisive, a clear demonstration of timing, precision, and the readiness to capitalize on every opportunity. That win marked a second successful title defense for him, reinforcing his status at the top of the lightweight division and adding another memorable chapter to his career arc.
Despite the triumph, Makhachev did not reclaim the top spot in the official rankings, moving from third to second and trailing John Johnson. The updated standings placed Russians at the summit, while Volkanovski, the Australian challenger, remained in third place. The ranking shift is a reminder that the landscape in MMA remains fluid, with daylight between titles, rankings, and the ever-present edge of competition that fuels year-round interest across North American fans, gatekeepers, and media alike.
The Russian champion has accumulated approximately two million dollars in prize money from the UFC 294 victory and now boasts a record of 25 wins in 26 bouts, illustrating consistency, durability, and the ability to perform under the bright lights of the UFC. In the longer arc of his career, those numbers speak not just to skill but to the endurance required to stay at the elite level where every opponent is calibrated to test limits and push a fighter toward the next milestone.
Earlier remarks by the Russian fighter underscored a broad sentiment in the sport: fighters compete for glory, prestige, and the opportunity to represent their country on a global stage rather than for monetary gain alone. This mindset echoes the narratives that fuel rivalries, spark heated debates, and drive the sport forward, resonating with fans who crave high-stakes competition and historical legacies in the UFC era. Within Canadian and American fan communities, these themes often translate into lively discussions about strategy, resilience, and the evolving balance between technique and power that defines modern MMA at the highest levels.