Islam Makhachev will make UFC history this weekend with a successful lightweight title defense against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311. Breaking Khabib Nurmagomedov, BJ Penn and Benson Henderson's record of three lightweight defenses is one way Makhachev can step out of the shadow of 'The Eagle'. A little known fact, however, is that Makhachev began […]
Since Islam Makhachev became the UFC lightweight champion, he has been constantly compared to his coach and friend, Khabib Nurmagomedov. When Khabib Nurmagomedov ruled the lightweight division and dominated every fighter in his path, it was hard to imagine another fighter finding equal success. Despite this, Islam Makhachev has carried on Nurmagomedov's legacy and looks
Arman Tsarukyan explains the difference between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev Read More »
As the No. 1 pound-for-pound UFC star, you would think Islam Makhachev is a fighter who can fight anywhere, anytime, but there are some instances where he will avoid fighting an opponent. As we quickly approach Makhachev's fourth lightweight title defense against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311, fans are chirping about a potential double championship
Islam Makhachev names two fighters he’d rather avoid after UFC 311 Read More »
Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev are brilliant fighters, but according to an MMA legend, there's another lightweight who might be the greatest of all time. It's fair to say that the former champion in question has a fantastic case for calling himself the best 155-pounder to ever grace the octagon. Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images
UFC 311 will be the first PPV event of 2025 this Saturday and the lightweight title fight main event could be one of the fights of the year. Fans in attendance at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California will be the beneficiaries of what will be an incredible lightweight title fight between Islam Makhachev and
Ahead of the biggest fight of his career to date, Arman Tsarukyan has tried to find an edge over Islam Makhachev during his UFC 311 training camp. In this Saturday's UFC 311 main event, Arman Tsarukyan will finally get the chance to avenge his loss to Islam Makhachev six years ago when they met at
Nate Diaz has launched verbal shots in Islam Makhachev's direction, comparing the UFC lightweight champion to an Ewok from Star Wars. The pair of MMA legends are currently engaged in a heated war of words. Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC Nate Diaz compares Islam Makhachev to an Ewok from Star Wars Nate Diaz is no
Now that UFC Fight Night: Dern vs Ribas 2 is in the books, MMA fans around the world can turn their attention to the first Pay-Per-View of 2025. Two fantastic title fights top things off in Los Angeles, with reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev set to defend his throne against 22-3 contender Arman Tsarukyan in
It's a story that very few UFC fans are familiar with; Islam Makhachev once had to undergo surgery to correct a heart condition, with his recovery inadvertently leading to him failing a USADA test. With UFC 311 just around the corner, Bloody Elbow searches the MMA archives for some insight into the life of dominant
Islam Makhachev explains how frightening heart surgery led to failed USADA test Read More »
Khabib Nurmagomedov's training camps in Dagestan are nothing short of the most grueling in combat sports. Top fighters, including UFC world champions, have complained about the intensity demanded of anyone who steps through the doors of the gym once owned by his father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. But if a fighter can survive, it bodes well for
In this era of UFC, fighter expression is rare, which is why custom UFC shorts are so popular. There was a time when fighters put their brand deals on display, making sponsorship a form of self-expression both inside and outside the cage. This individuality extended to custom battle banners and unique strikes. However, the UFC's
Islam Makhachev and Merab Dvalishvili turn heads with custom shorts ahead of UFC 311 Read More »
Islam Makhachev would love for an MMA icon to visit Dagestan with him, claiming those who live there love the fighting sensation. Like the Russian, the UFC legend in question has built his own incredible legacy. Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images Islam Makhachev invites Demetrious Johnson to Dagestan Islam Makhachev has used