Have you ever seen Islam Makhachev get knocked out in a Sambo kit? No? Well, today might just be your lucky day. Recently, the lightweight champion’s old clip went viral where Makhachev was competing in a Sambo matchup against a hard-headed opponent. And yes, he got knocked out too.

Clips of both, Makhachev and his brother-in-arms, Khabib Nurmagomedov fighting in Sambo tournaments often grab the fans’ attention. Recently, one such clip of the lightweight champion went viral and Gilbert Burns was just pulled to the post for a comment. Here’s how Burns complimented Makhachev’s win despite the knockout.

Is Gilbert Burns a good judge for Islam Makhachev?

Islam Makhachev and his wrestling skills can not be challenged by anyone without giving him the respect he deserves for them. Clearly, a skill built over years and years of practice. Combat Sambo is one such martial art that just sculpts fighters into wrestling machines like no other.

But it wasn’t always easy for Makhachev. Perhaps creative striking options could be the final hurdle in the life of a wrestler. That’s what happened in one of his seemingly amateur Sambo days. The clip that surfaced online shows Makhachev struggling against an opponent before getting head-butted in the face.

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Legal in Sambo, the headbutt made Makhachev topple and go off balance before crashing to the ground, while the referee rushed to break the fight up, and potentially, a point went into Makhachev’s opponent’s bank. “Levels! @MAKHACHEVMMA is very good!” voiced Gilbert Burns while retweeting the video.

The Brazilian is currently on his way to fight Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 299. The fight will go down on the 9th of March and will give him a chance to come back from his loss against Belal Muhammad, a teammate of Makhachev’s. But what about Islam Makhachev himself? Is he stepping back into the cage anytime soon?

Islam Makhachev on his return

Islam Makhachev first announced to the world that he’d need a match soon or the UFC would have to wait until the champ was done with Ramadan. The holy festival of the Muslim community is well on its way and Makhachev looks like he’s preparing for the comeback by giving out hints about his return.

“June [or] July I have next fight,” Islam Makhachev told MMA Squad, “I did just one training every day, but nothing hard. But I’m still training every day, because I’m a champion. I have to defend my belt, I have to be ready always. Now everybody wants to take my belt.”

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When you’re the champion, everyone wants to take the crown away. So who will Makhachev face in June or July? Will it be a new face or an old one? Perhaps Charles Oliveira would finally come back for the title that was once his. What is your bet?

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