An underrated fact about Islam Makhachev is that he lost his second UFC fight.
Now 16 fights deep into his UFC career and defending his lightweight title for the fourth time, Makhachev has clawed his way back from setbacks. 12-0 Makhachev debuted in the UFC with high-profile victories over future PFL-Bellator star Mansour Barnaoui and battle veterans Ivica Truscek and Yuri Ivlev.
It wasn't immediately clear that Makhachev would follow in Khabib Nurmagomedov's footsteps as he tasted defeat with a devastating knockout in just his second fight against the then 27-7 Adriano Martins.
Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Adriano Martins gave Islam Makhachev his first professional defeat
Makhachev faced Martins at UFC 192 in October 2015. He went into the fight as a slight favorite, but Martins already had years of experience fighting top opponents including Donald Cerrone, Francisco Trinaldo and Rustam Khalibov.
This was evident when Martins scored one of the oldest victories in modern UFC. In the opening round, Makhachev continued to choke his straight left hand and stumbled on the jab towards Martins. The Brazilian quickly adapted by turning away and cutting corners.
Makhachev paid dearly for this mistake when he used another unskilled left hand. Martins ducked, slid back out of reach and launched a beautiful overhand right that bounced Makhachev's head off the canvas. He made several follow-up shots before the fight was called.
Adriano Martins did not win for almost ten years after he defeated Islam Makhachev
This remains the only blemish on Makhachev's otherwise perfect record, but it came at a cost for Martins, who didn't win a fight for nine years. Martins dropped two more bouts in the UFC before going winless in Fight Nights Global, Shooto, Future FC and Copa Norte de MMA – increasingly smaller promotions.
He ultimately picked up a split-decision victory in 2024 as a short-term replacement against Cage Warriors and KSW veteran Donovan Desmae at Kongs FC.
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