There’s always going to be comparisons between Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov. After all, the former is often referred to as Khabib‘s protege. And while Makhachev is not too keen on keeping that monicker for long, there’s still a long way for the Dagestani fighter to wash that comparison completely.
However, it’s safe to say Islam Makhachev is quite close to it. Not just the fact that he is already highly regarded for his striking prowess a lot more than his predecessor, or the simple statistics that suggest he has defended his lightweight titles as many times as Nurmagomedov, but what has truly separated him from the former Champion is his ability to put on exciting fights, and the UFC recognizes that more than anybody else.
He may not have achieved the #1 P4P rankings, which Dana White recalls is impossible if Jon Jones is active and fighting. Still, Islam Makhachev has won hearts as a fighter from Dagestan with a threatening ground game but also, who can stand on his feet and give any fighter a run for their money wherever the fight goes.
Islam Makhachev has won most number of bonuses as a UFC Lightweight Champion
Islam Makhachev has won a total of five bonuses ever since becoming the UFC Lightweight Champion. He has won a UFC bonus in each of his title fights, and became a rare few to secure both the POTN and FOTN bonus in his last outing against Dustin Poirier back at UFC 302.
It doesn’t stop here, Makhachev has also shown his willingness to compete in the welterweight division and aims to become a two-division champion, something that fans never heard from Khabib Nurmagomedov. On the contrary, when there were reports of a potential fight between Khabib and GSP, the former suggested St-Pierre to step down and compete against him in the lightweight division.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, while dominant, was never a fan favourite in terms of the excitement that fighters like Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, Conor McGregor, and now even Islam Makhachev bring to the table. Not to disrespect what Khabib was able to do inside the Octagon, Makhachev has just looked more exciting and all-rounded athlete.
While POTY and FOTY is no parameter to compare two fighters, it certainly speaks a story when it comes to fan perspective. And believe it or not, Islam Makhachev is steps ahead of his “guru” Khabib Nurmagomedov.