How Long Can Islam Makhachev Rule the Lightweight Division?
At UFC 280, Islam Makachev defeated Charles Oliveira via second-round submission, as he became the UFC lightweight champion. Now, it is time to ask, how long can Islam Makhachev rule the lightweight division?
After a breathtaking performance at UFC 280, it appears like Makhachev is miles ahead of the rest of the lightweight division. However, that does not mean he will rule the division forever. It is time to take a look at Makhachev’s future and evaluate how long he can sit atop the division.
The Importance of UFC 280
UFC 280 played a massive role in Makhachev’s future. If you had to pick one lightweight that had the best chance to beat Makhachev it would be Oliveira. His power and Brazilian jiu-jitsu could provide an interesting clash with Makhachev’s dominant wrestling. However, after an early finish at UFC 280, Makhachev already disposed of one of his biggest challengers. In the long run, that makes it harder to envision a lightweight that can beat the 31-year-old.
Alexander Volkanovski
Makhachev’s first lightweight title defense will almost certainly come against UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. Volkanovski established himself as the next lightweight title challenger by offering to be the UFC 280 main event backup fighter. Makhachev’s octagon interview cemented Volkanovski’s position further.
That fight will be massive as Volkanovski looks to become a UFC double champion. But will it be competitive? I have a hard time saying Volkanovski wins. While Volkanovski is one of the most skilled fighters of all time, Makhachev will have a large wrestling and size advantage. That is not easy to overcome.
The Rest of the Lightweights
If Makhachev is able to defeat Volkanovski, he will have a plethora of lightweights looking to challenge for the belt. Right now, Beneil Dariush is in a good position to finally land a title shot. Dariush is an interesting matchup as he has great grappling and better striking than Makhachev.
Outside of Dariush, Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler will fight at UFC 281. The winner of that bout will certainly be in a position to challenge Makhachev. Despite being great fighters, it is very hard to make a case that they beat Makhachev. If you want to look at more lightweights, Justin Gaethje, Rafael Fiziev, Mateusz Gamrot and a few others could make their way to a shot title. At this point, those fights would come several title defenses into Makhachev’s title reign.
The Answer
Islam Makhachev can rule the lightweight division for a long time. By a long time, I mean several years. Volkanovski and Dariush will be interesting challenges, but the Russian will be a massive favorite in each bout. If he can get through those fights, which I think he will, I have a hard time seeing anyone beat him. With his all-time great wrestling, Makhachev should be able to out-grapple every fighter that he fights.
The record for lightweight title defenses sits at three. The record is held by Khabib Nurmagomedov, B.J. Penn, Benson Henderson and Frankie Edgar. With Makhachev’s dominance combined with the current state of the lightweight division, do not be surprised if he earns the record for lightweight title defenses by the end of his reign. He could beat it by a wide margin, too.
