5 Reasons Islam Makhachev Could Be a Bigger Star Than Khabib Nurmagomedov

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Islam Makhachev has slowly but steadily emerged as a top-ranked contender in the UFC's lightweight division.

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Childhood friend of former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev has a lot of hype behind him.

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Additionally, with Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner, and his influence on Makhachev's career, fans and pundits have already started comparing Islam Makhachev to Khabib Nurmagomedov.

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However, there is a reason to believe that after everything is said and done, Islam Makhachev might achieve greater success than Khabib Nurmagomedov.

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Islam Makhachev is currently riding on a nine-fight win-streak and is fresh off a first-round submission win over Dan Hooker.

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Khabib Nurmagomedov was 13-0 in the UFC Octagon before he rested his gloves. Needless to say, Islam has a chance of eclipsing that in the near future.

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With wins over Tony Ferguson, Michael Chandler, and Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira has also challenged Khabib Nurmagomedov for his accomplishments as a UFC lightweight champion.

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It goes without saying, if Islam Makhachev is able to get past Charles Oliveira, he will cement himself as an all-time great.

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Justin Gaethje vs Islam Makhachev also seems to be like a certainty in the near future, and if it goes in the favor of Makhachev, it could solidify him as a lightweight great.

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