In the annals of the UFC’s lightweight division, Islam Makhachev has cemented his place at the top. Following his the first defeat of his career to Adriano Martins in October 2015, the Russian has embarked on a monstrous 15-fight winning streak, which has seen him conquer a who’s-who of his weight class.
The Dagestan native’s reputation would only continue to grow exponentially beginning in 2022 when he scored the 155-lb championship at UFC 280 in decisive fashion over fan-favorite athlete Charles Oliveira, submitting “do Bronxs” in the second round. What followed that event was nothing short of a dynasty of absolute domination, with Makhachev netting four consecutive title defenses, besting Alexander Volkanovski twice, Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano.