Islam Makhachev vs Khabib Nurmagomedov: Comparison by Stats of Two of the Most Ruthless UFC Lightweights

Published 07/14/2021, 12:30 AM EDT

Islam Makhachev is on the rise at the UFC’s lightweight division. The Dagestani star is often compared with his teammate and former UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov. ‘The Eagle’ and Makhachev both share a dominant grappling game. Many have tipped Makhachev to follow Nurmagomedov’s footsteps and eventually become a UFC champion.

A recent Twitter post by the ‘MMA By The Numbers’ handle has compared Nurmagomedov and Makhachev by stats after their first 9 UFC fights. It is a truly insightful post for the UFC fanatics. While Nurmagomedov has fought 13 times in the UFC during his perfect professional career, Makhachev has made 9 appearances inside the Octagon so far.

Islam Makhachev UFC Career (9 fights)
8-1, 4 finishes
173 sig. strikes landed, 67 absorbed
2.58-to-1 sig. strike ratio
69% td accuracy, 53% control
Khabib Nurmagomedov (first 9 UFC fights)
9-0, 4 finishes
364 sig. landed, 143 absorbed
2.55-to-1 ratio
48% td acc, 54% control
— MMA By The Numbers (@NumbersMMA) July 13, 2021

Article continues below this ad

Makhachev, who has 4 finishes in his 8-1 UFC record, suffered a knockout loss in his second UFC appearance. This is the only loss of his professional career so far. Other than that rare incident, his dominance has been prominent so far in his UFC career. He most recently earned a spectacular submission win over Drew Dober at UFC 259. The Dagestani has landed 173 significant strikes, absorbing 67 in the process. He has 69% takedown accuracy and 53% control.

UFC 264 Starring Conor McGregor Breaks Records With 1.8 Million World Wide PPV Buys

Nurmagomedov, on the other hand, also had 4 finishes in his first 9 Octagon appearances. He landed 364 significant strikes, absorbing 143. He had a 48% takedown accuracy and 54% control.

Needless to say, both have been dominant in their own way. Given the numbers, Makhachev is well on track as he compares very well with the retired Nurmagomedov.

Who is Islam Makhachev fighting next?

Article continues below this ad

Makhachev will take on Brazilian Thiago Moises in the main event of a UFC Fight Night clash this weekend. This will be Makhachev’s first opportunity to headline a UFC card. He will have a worthy opponent in Moises who is looking to make a name for himself too. A win for either man will catapult them higher in the 155 lbs division of the UFC.

Read this story: 5 Interesting Facts You Need to Know About Jairizinho Rozenstruik

Makhachev is under the guidance of Nurmagomedov as well. ‘The Eagle‘ keeps a close eye on his teammate and wants to mentor him to the UFC title in the near future.

Article continues below this ad

Hence, Makhachev could actually be on track to eclipse Khabib Nurmagomedov after 13 UFC fights.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Apratim Banerjee is an MMA author for EssentiallySports and has been writing professionally for almost a year. Before his current gig, Apratim worked as a UFC writer for Sportskeeda. A long-time MMA fan, Apratim has developed a critical eye for the sport that has helped him transfer his vast knowledge to his copies and give hardcore and casual readers a detailed insight into the fights and fighters.

Islam Makhachev vs Khabib Nurmagomedov: Comparison by Stats of Two of the Most Ruthless UFC Lightweights

Who is Islam Makhachev fighting next?

Trending

“Literally Some Random Loser”- Jon Jones Finally Breaks Silence on Latest Controversy, Faced With Serious Allegations

MMA News Roundup: Conor McGregor Calls for “Lifetime Ban” on Ryan Garcia, Alex Pereira Says Jiri Prochazka Next, Jon Jones Confirms Interest in ‘Poatan’ & Tom Aspinall

Devin Haney Gives Conor McGregor a Fitting Response After “Lifetime Ban” Demands for Ryan Garcia Post Failed PED Test

Canelo Alvarez Rings the Alarm Bells for Nate Diaz as Boxer Drops In at Jorge Masvidal’s Camp One Month Before Fight

How Did Francis Ngannou’s Son Die? All We Know So Far About 15-Month-Old Kobe’s Death