UFC lightweights are buzzing as Islam Makhachev lays out what he expects heading into the fight against Alex Volkanovski. The champion from Dagestan has been open about his game plan and the mental edge he believes will matter when the cage doors close.
On social media, Makhachev hinted that Volkanovski would feel the pressure on the mat after a brief moment of grappling—specifically, he suggested Volkanovski would start to panic within 15 seconds of being taken down. The claim isn’t just bravado; it reflects the confidence of a fighter who has built his reputation on controlling where the fight takes place.
Backed by a recent championship showdown, Makhachev stepped into the spotlight on October 22 to face Brazil’s Charles Oliveira in the UFC 280 lightweight title bout held in Abu Dhabi. The Russian challenger didn’t merely win; he asserted authority in the second round with a suffocating grip that sealed his place atop a stacked division. The victory marked a 11th consecutive win within UFC competition, further cementing his status as one of the era’s most dominant lightweights.
It’s worth noting the lineage that sits behind Makhachev. The sport’s history in his corner includes the revered figure Khabib Nurmagomedov, a former lightweight champion whose dominance helped shape the modern approach to the division. Makhachev’s ascent mirrors that lineage, underscoring a tradition of relentless pressure and disciplined grappling that has become a calling card for the camp.
Over the course of his professional career, Makhachev has stepped into the cage 24 times, compiling a resume that speaks to consistency at the elite level. His only setback came in a bout against Brazilian adversary Adrian Martinez during UFC 192, where Martinez delivered a knockout at the end of the second minute. The result stands as a reminder that in this sport, margins are razor-thin and every moment counts.
Meanwhile, Volkanovski, the former Australian warrior who has etched his own path through the sport, has openly discussed how one should prepare for the UFC lightweight championship clash against Makhachev. The approach from Volkanovski’s camp emphasizes a well-rounded game, blending switch-kick precision with relentless cardio and strategic movement to disrupt Makhachev’s wrestling-heavy blueprint.