Islam Makhachev isn’t living in Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s shadow anymore; he’s stepped out, lit the fire, and may have just gotten past his legendary mentor. After years of comparisons, doubts, and great expectations, the Dagestani appears to have won something more than a belt: recognition. The MMA world has finally started a real, yet quite uncomfortable conversation: Did Islam Makhachev just beat Khabib Nurmagomedov in the lightweight GOAT debate? Well, Aljamain Sterling‘s answer is a confident yes. And honestly? It’s quite difficult to argue with him.
Sterling did not avoid the subject in his most recent YouTube video. He stated clearly that Makhachev’s lightweight run is superior to Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s. Not due to impressive knockouts or trash talk. But because of the grind and the quality of the men he’s defeated. When many believed he had finally hit max, he did not stop. He kept on going. He said, “Islam is one of the greatest lightweights of all time, in my opinion. I think he surpasses Khabib just based on how active he’s been.”
He further added, “In terms of Khabib’s run, I think Khabib has a total of like 13 or 14 UFC fights. I think Islam is already past that, if I’m not mistaken. I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure.” Look at the names. Charles Oliveira? Destroyed. Alexander Volkanovski? Defeated twice, once on short notice and again while he was regarded as the world’s best fighter as per the p4p rankings.
But that’s not all, as Makhachev then faced and defeated Dustin Poirier in a fight that was no less than a war inside the Octagon. That victory alone revealed more about his championship grit than any highlight-reel event. He’s not simply running through opponents; he’s changing, evolving, and consistently proving that he belongs among the best of the best.
And then there are the numbers. ‘The Eagle,’ of course, retired 29-0. That record is iconic. However, he retired after only three title defenses. Makhachev, on the other hand? Well, he has four. In fact, the only way to get him off the throne was when he announced he was vacating the gold for a new challenge. Most fighters would be quite satisfied with dominating one division. Makhachev? He’s chasing two. That explains a lot.
Aljamin Sterling also pointed out something that many fans overlook: activity. Khabib Nurmagomedov had about 13 or 14 UFC fights in total. Islam Makhachev has already moved past that. It’s easy to have a spotless record when you don’t fight often, but Makhachev has faced challenge after challenge—and hasn’t waited for ideal conditions to arise. He simply fought whoever was in front of him.
Now, as he sets his sights on Jack Della Maddalena and a welterweight title, Islam Makhachev may create history yet again. If he wins the belt, there won’t be debates over whether he passed Khabib; people will start wondering if he is the greatest of his generation. Perhaps even of all time. And to think he did all of this while carrying the weight of a legacy—and then rewriting it in his own name. But will he be able to pull it off? Well, not according to Team Della Maddalena.
Team Jack Della Maddalena predicts a major win against Islam Makhachev
It’s almost poetic—just as Islam Makhachev is about to take flight and reinvent his legacy, Jack Della Maddalena and his team are planning to clip his wings. While the MMA world debates the Dagestani’s greatness, there is a quiet, rising confidence on the opposite side. Maddalena’s coach, Ben Vickers, is not getting into the Makhachev hype. In fact, after closely studying the Poirier bout, he is confident that JDM will knock him out.
Not edge him out, not win by some points, but knock him out. That’s how strongly they believe the welterweight title won’t be grabbed without a brutal fight—and possibly not even then. “He’s not used to taking damage,” the coach stated, noting that Poirier only needed one clean shot in the first round to rattle Islam Makhachev. Vickers believes that’s enough time for someone like Maddalena, who thrives under pressure and at a fast pace, to step in and make an impact.
There’s also the weight issue. Maddalena is naturally larger, accustomed to carrying that frame, and has been preparing for this sort of chaos. Add in a recent win against Belal Muhammad as a “perfect warm-up,” and you can see why the Australian camp isn’t blinking. And it is exactly what makes Makhachev’s next fight so dangerous. He’s not only battling for gold; he’s in another weight class, up against someone with knockout power and no fear. What do you think? Will he be able to pull it off? Let us know in the comments.
The post Aljamain Sterling Backs Islam Makhachev as Good News Handed to UFC Champ Regarding Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Legacy appeared first on EssentiallySports.
