Islam Makhachev shares a screenshot of Rafael dos Anjos questioning his contendership

Newly crowned lightweight champ Islam Makhachev recently took a jibe at veteran fighter Rafael dos Anjos. Back in 2021, Rafael dos Anjos questioned Makhachev's contendership in the division by tweeting:

"Is this guy a top contender??"

Islam Makhachev recently took to his official Twitter handle to fire shots at the former lightweight champ for doubting his fighting prowess. The lightweight champ wrote:

"Can we make NFT out of this? 😀 legendary one"

You can check out Islam Makhachev's tweet below:

Can we make NFT out of this? 😀 legendary one https://t.co/lvM2ljq6BA

The Brazilian and Makhachev have been scheduled to fight three times in the past, but the bout never materialized. Before dos Anjos' fight against Renato Carneiro at UFC 272, the former lightweight champ was expected to fight the Dagestani. However, the Brazilian claimed that Makhachev turned down the fight at the last moment.

170 ??? Let’s do it. We have unfinished business RDA @ufc @espnmma @bokamotoESPN @MMAjunkieJohn twitter.com/MMAJunkie/stat…

The Dagestani recently took on former lightweight champ Charles Oliveira in the highly anticipated main event of UFC 280. Makhachev stunned the audience as he submitted 'do Bronx' in the second round to become the undisputed champion of the lightweight division.

Charles Oliveira holds the record for the highest submission victories in the UFC (16). Islam Makhachev's precise and prompt submission win against Oliveira managed to astound as well as impress fans of the sport.

The champion has a name, and it's Islam Makhachev 🏆 #UFC280 https://t.co/P4uCdLcu75

Islam Makhachev's striking abilities are underrated, according to Paul Felder

Retired UFC lightweight Paul Felder recently chimed in with his thoughts on Islam Makahchev's latest title-winning performance against Charles Oliveira at UFC 280.

According to Felder, the new lightweight champ's striking abilities do not receive enough credit. However, the 38-year-old believes that Makhachev's stand-up game will now be well-appreciated after his phenomenal performance against 'do Bronx'. 'The Irish Dragon' stated:

"This is a guy [Makhachev] you always say, 'Oh well, his kickboxing, oh well he's not quite there.' He hurt Oliveira a few times, which ended the exchange. He ended [up] knocking him down, ended up getting on top, passing to that arm-triangle and getting that submission. But it all started with his hands which I think he just doesn't get enough credit and hopefully people will start recognizing that more."

You can check out Paul Felder give his take on Islam Makahchev's striking skills below: