5 UFC fighters who may have better grappling skills than Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev's most recent performances in the UFC are great examples of why many believe him to be the best grappler on the roster. Neither Dan Hooker nor Bobby Green were able to get in any meaningful offense due to the overwhelming pressure from the Russian native. However, there are a few UFC fighters who may have better grappling skills than him.

Makhachev is currently on a ten-fight winning streak in the UFC. During this run, he has established himself as one of the best grapplers in the entire roster. His ability to manhandle opponents only seems to be increasing and one could certainly argue that he has the best grappling skills in the entire organization.

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Makhachev specializes in combat sambo and is a world champion in that field. This is just one of the many forms of grappling we see in the UFC today, including Brazilian jiu-jitsu, freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling.

While Makhachev's skills in sambo are clearly of the highest level, there are other incredibly talented grapplers on the roster as well. These athletes are also among the very best in the field and may have their own case to be made as the best grappler in the sport.

Here are five UFC fighters who may have better grappling skills than Islam Makhachev.

#5. Mark Madsen - UFC lightweight

Mark Madsen may not be a big name in the sport, but he is one of the most decorated grapplers on the roster. Prior to taking up MMA, Madsen was a world-class Greco-Roman wrestler and even won an Olympic silver medal at the 2016 games.

The Danish fighter has made the transition to MMA seamlessly and is yet to taste defeat in 11 professional fights. Despite his grappling skills, Madsen has also shown impressive striking and secured a stoppage win in his UFC debut against Danilo Belluardo via punches.

Olympic Silver Medalist Mark Madsen makes his UFC debut this week in Copenhagen.

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Madsen may be 37-years-old but his Greco-Roman wrestling is so strong he remains one of the best grapplers on the roster. While his style of wrestling may be different to that of Makhachev's, his Olympic medal suggests that he might have a slight edge over the Russian in grappling.