MMA
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Islam Makhachev – Who is the Better UFC Fighter?
The lightweight division is often the most competitive in combat sports. They are fighters who often bring various dynamics and nuances to their approach, and the UFC is no different. However, in recent history, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev are two names which immediately spring to mind when one thinks of the lightweight division in the UFC.
Islam Makhachev of Russia and Khabib Nurmagomedov//Getty Images
These two fighters share a close bond, one that sees them train together and share many similar career arcs and unique accomplishments. We are going to look at and compare the career records, fighting styles and legacy impact these two fighters have to establish whether we decide who is the better UFC fighter.
Career Overview
Let’s compare these two fighters' careers.
| Category | Khabib Nurmagomedov | Islam Makhachev |
| Total Fights | 29 | 27 |
| Career Record | 29-0 (Undefeated) | 26-1 |
| Finishes (KO/TKO/Submission | 19 (8 KO, 11 Submission) | 14 (6 KO, 8 Submission) |
| UFC Title Reign | 2018-2021 (Three successful title defenses) | 2022 – Present (Four successful defenses) |
| Notable Victories | Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje | Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski and Dustin Poirier |
| Longest Win Streak | 29 | 15 (Ongoing at the time of writing) |
| Fighting Style | Sambo, Wrestling, Judo | Sambo, Wrestling |
| Coach | Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov (Father) | Khabib Nurmagomedov |
| Associated Team | American Kickboxing Academy | American Kickboxing Academy |
Fighter Comparison – A Career Analysis
Career Start and Rise to the Top
- Khabib Nurmagomedov: Khabib’s combat journey started in 2008, where he quickly dominated the Russian and Ukrainian circuits. By 2012, he had made his UFC debut and quickly become associated with grappling dominance. Just six years later, he was a Lightweight champion.
- Islam Makhachev: Originally training under Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Khabib’s father, in 2010, Islam later made his UFC debut in 2015. By 2022, he was a UFC Lightweight champion and quickly marked his dominance in the division.
Islam and Khabib are from the same village – Burshi, a small mountain village in Dagestan, Russia. They even shared the same training room growing up.
Fighting Style and Evolution
- Khabib Nurmagomedov: He was widely regarded as an aggressive grappler, bringing together a mix of wrestling, judo and sambo control to manipulate and overwhelm his opponents. People often forget his powerful striking ability, which steadily grew and developed throughout his career.
- Islam Makhachev: Dedicated to his Sambo base, Islam has built his career on powerful wrestling and relentless submissions. His stand and strike game has evolved in recent fights, and he is quickly becoming a dual threat for his opponents.
Level of Competition
Khabib has faced top-tier fighters throughout his career and has come out on the other side. Defeating the likes of Connor McGregor, Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira at the height of their careers, he is without doubt one of the best to ever do it.
Public Persona and Cultural Impact
These two fighters are widely regarded as humble and disciplined athletes. They share a strong adherence to Dagestani and Islamic roots and are seen as global ambassadors for MMA, especially in Eastern Europe and the Muslim community.
What Makes Each Fighter Unique
So, what is it really that makes these fighters unique? Khabib retired with a perfect 29-0 record. His dominance in the lightweight division is unparalleled, and his timing to hang up his career changed UFC forever.
For Islam, he continues to refine his striking ability and has become an unpredictable opponent in the UFC. His successful title defenses already outdo that of Khabib’s, and the manner in which he has achieved this continues to showcase his growth in the sport.
SportsBoom Suggests
There is no doubt that these two fighters have been incredibly dominant in their own right. Yes, their timelines and impact differ slightly, but their influence and fighting acumen are deeply intertwined in their culture and societal understanding.
The unbeaten record held by Khabib will survive the test of time and the threat of history in the UFC, but in Islam, you have a fighter who is active, evolving and in a position that could see his career surpass that of his mentor’s.
Ultimately, this comparison isn’t about who is better. We will never be able to answer that question, but rather a comparison into how they have each shaped and influenced the UFC lightweight division – and what an impact it has been!
Ryan Liberty is an experienced sports writer whose articles have featured in some of the biggest sports publications in South Africa. With a strong understanding of all major sports and an in-depth understanding of betting, Ryan consistently delivers insightful content. He's also known for his ability to break down complex topics into engaging, reader-friendly pieces.