Khabib Nurmagomedov is one of the greatest fighters to step into the Octagon and Islam Makhachev is trying to replicate the career of his current coach. Khabib and Makhachev have grown up together under the tutelage of Khabib’s father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. They have a lot of similarities among them. However, their stats and records until now provide some separation. Here’s a look at the comparison between Khabib and Makhachev.
Their basic stats are extremely similar. Both stand 5′ 10″ tall and have a reach of 70″. They also fight in the Lightweight division. Moving on to their records, it is something Makhachev will never have an upper hand on Khabib. Makhahev, after his impressive KO win against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294 boasts a record of 25-1. On the other hand, Khabib has amassed an unbelievable 29-0 record in his career.
Khabib Nurmagomedov announces his retirement after winning #UFC254
He’ll retire at 29-0.pic.twitter.com/bLeRaif1kg
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) October 24, 2020
Stats | Khabib Nurmagomedov | Islam Makhachev |
---|---|---|
Age | 35 | 31 |
Wins | 29 | 25 |
Losses | 0 | 1 |
Division | Lightweight | Lightweight |
Reach | 70 in | 70 in |
Height | 5 ft 10 in | 5 ft 10 in |
SLpM – Significant Strikes Landed per Minute | 4.10 | 2.35 |
Str. Acc. – Significant Striking Accuracy | 48% | 59% |
SApM – Significant Strikes Absorbed per Minute | 1.75 | 1.27 |
TD Acc. – Takedown Accuracy | 48% | 62% |
TD Def. – Takedown Defense (the % of opponents TD attempts that did not land) | 84% | 90% |
Sub. Avg. – Average Submissions Attempted per 15 minutes | 0.8 | 1.1 |
As you can see, even statistics-wise there is not a lot to separate the two. The loss against Adriano Martins in 2015 for Makhachev makes a big difference.
When it comes to title reign until now, Khabib defended his UFC Lightweight title thrice successfully. After UFC 294, Makhachev has defended the title twice. It is likely that Makhachev will pull up his title defense numbers and UFC CEO Dana White feels so as well.
Dana White feels Islam Makhachev is not “in Khabib’s shadow” and that Makhachev could even surpass his mentor 👀 #UFC294
“This kid could go on a [title] defense run that absolutely blows everybody away that ever held the belt in that division.” pic.twitter.com/0bzOZFP3Vd
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) October 21, 2023
As of now, Makhachev is on a 13-win streak in the UFC. Khabib ended his career on a 13-win streak. Another win could see Makhachev earning an important one-up against Khabib.
Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev’s manager explains the difference between the fighters
Ali Abdelaziz, the founder of Dominance MMA Management, managed both Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov. In a recent interview with TMZ Sport, Abdelaziz said: “Khabib wants Islam to be better. That’s what’s beautiful about it. Islam lost, Khabib never lost. Islan might be all the way technically better, but dominance, I don’t think anybody can be as dominant as Khabib is.
“You see Henry lose, Kamaru. A lot of guys lost. Khabib never even have one blood leave his body. When you have a guy who never bled in 29 fights, it’s very hard to match him. It’s a very tall order to match him. It’s almost impossible. The guy who is closer to Khabib than anybody is Umar. I truly believe Umar is the closest to Khabib’s dominance.”
Abdelaziz pointed out the undefeated record of Khabib to be the main difference between him and Makhachev. However, if Makhachev racks up a few more successful title defenses, he could probably leave a stronger legacy in the UFC.