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2. Islam Makhachev
Division: Lightweight
Record: 11-0
Age: 23
Years Pro: 4.5
Camp: Fightspirit Team/American Kickboxing Academy

Another member of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s entourage makes an appearance on this list in the form of Dagestan’s Makhachev, a lifelong friend and training partner of the top-ranked lightweight contender. Makhachev has already been signed to the UFC and is expected to debut against Leo Kuntz at UFC 187; and like his countryman, he has the potential to become a top-flight fighter even in a stacked division.

Like Khabib and Abubakar Nurmagomedov, Makhachev has spent a great deal of time training under Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, and his approach is quite similar to theirs. I would say he is a more polished striker and owns a more dangerous top game than Khabib did when he entered the UFC, however, although he is not quite the raw athletic talent.

That approach revolves around a stifling combination of wrestling and top control grappling. Makhachev works gorgeous takedown chains when he locks up with his opponent, combining an ultra-quick single and double, throws and his favorite hip tosses, which he executes both as the initiator and as a counter when his opponent tries to get in on him. From top position, Makhachev is a monster, with quick passes, an increasingly heavy base, hard ground strikes and a slick array of submissions. Striking is not Makhachev’s strongest suit and he relies too much on his left hand, but he possesses solid power, great timing and knows how to use those shots to set up his takedowns and clinch entries.

Makhachev has built on his friendship with the unbeaten Nurmagomedov and is currently training with him at the American Kickboxing Academy for their bouts at UFC 187 in May. Keep an eye on the Dagestani combat sambo champion, because he is a long way from a finished product and is already prepared to compete with some of the best at 155 pounds.

Finish Reading » Tom Duquesnoy