5 fighters Islam Makhachev must defeat before earning a title shot
UFC fans have some very different opinions about Islam Makhachev. Some feel he presents the same challenge as Khabib Nurmagomedov and believe his 10-fight winning streak should ensure him a title shot. Others feel he is untested and undeserving, given that he has not beaten anyone currently ranked inside the top 10 of the division.
Charles Oliveira believes Khabib Nurmagomedov's backing is helping Islam Makhachev's title contention despite no top-5 win
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The lack of big-name wins for Makhachev could well cost him a title shot in his next fight. Most fans would rather see either Conor McGregor or Alexander Volkanovski get the title bout before him. However, were he to beat a highly ranked fighter, those doubters would likely be silenced.
Here are 5 fighters Islam Makhachev could face to cement his place in a title fight.
#5. Islam Makhachev vs. Rafael Fiziev
Rafael Fiziev put the lightweight division on notice when he knocked out former champion Rafael dos Anjos in the fifth round of their main event bout. Fiziev has looked incredible since joining the UFC, and at this point, it is impossible to deny that he is one of the elite fighters in the division.
LONGEST ACTIVE UFC WIN STREAKS - Lightweight
11 - Charles Oliveira
09 - Islam Makhachev
07 - Beneil Dariush
06 - Rafael Fiziev (@RafaelFiziev)
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This fact makes him an appropriate opponent for Islam Makhachev. Fiziev may not be the highest-ranked name on this list, but he is right up there when it comes to skill level. If Makhachev were to beat him, fans would no longer be able to argue that he hasn’t proved himself against elite-level competition.
Makhachev vs. Fiziev would be an incredible fight given how talented both are inside the octagon. It would also be a fascinating clash of styles, considering Makhachev’s grappling ability and Fiziev’s incredible striking.