Khabib Nurmagomedov’s prodigy Islam Makhachev returns to action against BJJ ace Thiago Moises in a five-round main-event inside UFC APEX in Las Vegas this weekend. Makhachev is coming off an incredible submission win over Drew Dober, while Moises is coming off a decision win over Alexander Hernandez in what promises to be an exciting match-up between the two rising lightweight contenders.
Ahead of the fight, let’s take a look at Islam Makhachev vs Thiago Moises stats and try to break down the fight to predict who gets his hand raised when both these fighters meet inside the Octagon inside UFC APEX.
Islam Makhachev vs Thiago Moises stats
Islam Makhachev is on a seven-fight win streak going into the fight and boasts an incredible record of 19 wins with just a single loss in his mixed martial arts career. Meanwhile, Thiago Moises is on a three-fight win-streak, having already secured wins over the likes of Michael Johnson and Bobby Green. Moises boasts an equally impressive resume of 15 wins and just 4 losses in his mixed martial arts career.
| Stats | Islam Makhachev | Thiago Moises |
|---|---|---|
| Wins | 19 | 15 |
| Losses | 1 | 4 |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in | 5 ft 9 in |
| Stance | Southpaw | Southpaw |
| Reach | 70.5 in | 70.5 in |
| Team | American Kickboxing Academy | American Top Team |
While Makhachev is the better fighter on paper, there’s every reason to believe that Thiago Moises poses a threat like no other. Makhachev will look to take his winning streak to eight wins and stand true on the huge expectations that the world of mixed martial arts has from him.
Islam Makhachev vs Thiago Moises breakdown
Islam Makhachev is an elite grappler and a former combat sambo world champion. Needless to say, Combat Sambo transitions really well in mixed martial arts, and with the improved striking of Makhachev, it’s safe to say that Makhachev is the better fighter going into the fight.
Meanwhile, Thiago Moises black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsi, however, he would need to do more on the ground as his striking has been in question looking at his past few fights. Additionally, the threat of always being taken down from Makhachev is always going to remain pertinent slowing down Moises’ striking and always keeping him second-guessing about Makhachev’s plan.
In the past, we have seen the Dagestani fighter rely on his striking just like Khabib Nurmagomedov to eventually take down his opponents and dictate the pace of the fight. While it’s the fight game and anything can happen, the chances are Islam Makhachev gets the win once again this time around.
Islam Makhachev vs Thiago Moises prediction: Islam Makhachev via Unanimous Decision
