Makhachev’s overall game is slightly better than Khabib Nurmagomedov: Javier Mendez

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4 years ago

UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov s father and coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov R and Russian mixed martial artist Islam Makhachev attend the UFC Fight Night 163 mixed martial arts event, at CSKA Arena. Valery Sharifulin/TASS PUBLICATIONxINxGERxAUTxONLY TS0C25E2

Islam Makhachev has often been likened to fellow Dagestani Khabib Nurmagomedov

Makhachev is slowly but steadily becoming the next big thing in the lightweight division.

The Russian has been on a 7-fight unbeaten streak; undefeated since October 2015. Plus, he just has one loss in his MMA career.

Islam Makhachev of Russia competes against Davi Ramos of Brazil in their Lightweight Bout during the UFC 242 event at The Arena on September 07, 2019 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

Makhachev’s fighting style has often brought him comparisons with the lightweight GOAT Khabib Nurmagomedov.

He has largely been untroubled on the ground, just like Khabib. It was pretty evident in his recent victory over Drew Dober at UFC 259.

Coach Javier Mendez who trains both Khabib and Makhachev spoke about the comparisons between the two in Talking Brawls with Niall McGrath.

Surprisingly, Mendez stated that Makhachev’s overall game was better than Khabib’s.

Here is what Mendez had to say:

“He was dominant way back then, he got better and better. His overall game is slightly better than Khabib’s overall game. The standup to the kicking to the ground. Remember too, Islam was a two-time Sambo Champion too…Islam also adapted to the striking quicker than Khabib.”

Javier Mendez warns Islam Makhachev of his next opponent

Makhachev is scheduled to face Thiago Moises on the 17th of July, later this year. It is quite a tricky fight for the Russian, since Moises is ranked 5 places below Makhachev (Makhachev is 10 and Moises is 15).

Michael Johnson (L) of the United States reacts after being defeated by Thiago Moises (R) of Brazil in their Lightweight bout during UFC Fight Night at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on May 13, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

A loss might peg back his quest for lightweight greatness, and that is exactly what Mendez had to say in the same interview.

Mendez said:

“He’s fighting a very dangerous guy that is not even in the top 15 [Moises recently broke into top 15]. But, he’s still very dangerous. He has to take care of him, like he did against Drew Dober…If he doesn’t people are going to go -‘ah Islam is not this, Islam is not that’.”

A win here for Makhachev will put him in line for a fight against any of the top ranked lightweights. If he can keep carrying his incredible momentum, he might be ending up as one of the greats of the game.