“That Feeds Down Into Everyone Else”- Almost 2 Years After Getting Finished by Islam Makhachev, UFC LW Star Opens Up on Critical Element Surrounding Dagestani Camp

The UFC Lightweight division is an unforgiving realm. Fighters are constantly seeking the edge that will propel them to victory. For many, the Dagestani camp has become synonymous with dominance and intimidation. Recently, Islam Makhachev successfully defeated UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. The formidable protégé of Khabib Nurmagomedov has once again brought Dagestani dominance into the spotlight.

The victory, while establishing the Dagestani camp’s consistency, didn’t fulfill Makhachev’s dream of becoming the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Instead, it brought along some severe accusations related to IV on the reigning UFC lightweight champion.

The intimidating aura of Islam Makhachev and the Dagestani camp

Dan Hooker fought Makhachev back in 2021 at UFC 267 and suffered an opening-round defeat. The fighter recently revealed what makes the Dagestani lot stand out.

During a recent interview, the ‘Hangman’ reflected on Makhachev’s recent victory over Volkanovski and said, “That team[the Dagestani camp] and that like- you have to say, the mental side of our sport is huge… And that team carries like a huge mental aspect of it.”

The 33-year-old further added, “They’re riding off the back of Khabib. Like, being undefeated and just the way he went out and like the dominant end to his tidal reign was incredibly impressive. And that, kind of mystique around that, kind of went on to Islam and he was riding on that kind of mystique.”

Hooker continued, “But there you have to understand that, that mystique of being undefeated and you know, wrestling bears when you’re a kid, like that feeds down into everyone else. Where they’re like, ‘Man, these guys are something special.‘”

Read more: “I Am Your Replacement”: Champ Islam Makhachev Put on High Alert After Dominant Grant Dawson Performance at UFC Vegas 76 As Fans and Pros Laud 29-Year-Old

The Dagestani camp is a force to be reckoned with. It embodies the true essence of resilience, discipline, and relentless pursuit of victory. It remains to be seen whether Islam Makhachev will claim the pound-for-pound ranking. However, his dominance so far certainly holds a strong promise.

Moreover, the lightweight champ might make an appearance at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi next. There is no official confirmation on the fight or the opponent yet. Who do you think the Dagestani fighter should face next? Let us know in the comments below.

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