UFC 311: Intuit Dome; Los Angeles, California
It didn’t take long for the pound-for-pound UFC king to cement his name in UFC lightweight history. Islam Makhachev became the first champion of the division to successfully hold onto the strap four times. And although it was a late opponent switch, it was against a talented fighter who loves fire fights. But he showed why there are levels to the world of MMA.
And the 33-year old Dagestani, who has won 15-straight times is on the verge of tying Anderson Silva at 16… with Jon Jones leading all-time at 20-straight. After making Renato Carneiro tap to a brabo choke at 4:05 of the opening round, he chose not to call anyone out specifically, with Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler sitting cageside. Instead he said:
“I like this belt. It’s not my job. If somebody wants this belt, come to the cage”.
Money Moicano looked okay early. He took the center of the octagon looking to engage. And he managed to sting the champion. Makhachev being patient worked for a takedown, and got into side control. Starting to smother him he eventually locked in the submission hold.
So What Does The Future Look Like
The bjj black belt Moicano, has grown a pattern. The very top tier fighters with amazing skills finish him. So it might take him three to four wins to get back. As far as Makhachev goes, the path is a little more foggy.
He’s technically superior to the whole division. Everything he does is sharp and percise. And he does not take a heap of damage, if any. Outside of being cracked by Dustin Poirier, of course. And he’s becoming a big fish in a small pond. No fault of his own.
-He will never again have to face another 145er coming up. What he doesn’t have at lightweight is that perfect foil rival. And he could use is some bigger names on that already Hall Of Fame resume. In the upcoming days there will be a lot of talk about him heading up to welterweight. However, some of those guys might just be a bit too much.
Perhaps Arman Tsarukyan gets rebooked. Or maybe the winner of Justin Gaethje versus Dan Hooker. There maybe an option not on anyone’s radar too. And it’s an interesting one.
There Are Levels To Fighting, Might As Well Hunt An All-Time Great
Although it was last minute, there was rumblings about what could the tenth ranked lightweight do against the pound-for-pound king. Well there’s a fighter out there not ranked, but still brings the fire. Former champ Jose Aldo‘s leg kicks can still take a tree down. His striking, especially hooks to the body and uppercuts could slow down Makhachev just enough. And his ground game is still top notch.
It’s also a name that if got on Makhachev’s resume would solidify it. Even at his age. It would also give the division time to clear itself.
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