Scorecard reveals UFC champion Islam Makhachev's toughest opponent in last seven years
Islam Makhachev exemplifies dominance, and his UFC career demonstrates how he has been able to methodically demolish his opponents. After suffering the first and only loss of his career in his UFC debut, Makhachev has been on an unstoppable run and currently holds the No. 2 spot on the pound-for-pound list of the best fighters in the UFC.
Throughout his 11-fight unbeaten streak in the UFC, Makhachev has been fairly dominant, earning numerous lopsided victories along the way. Makhachev demonstrated perseverance and remained committed to his objective of capturing the UFC lightweight title and becoming Khabib Nurmagomedov's successor despite being initially disregarded and snubbed by his peers.
Islam Makhachev with a beautiful homage to Khabib's late father and his former coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov 🙏
Watch the full in-depth interview between @AdamCatterall and @MAKHACHEVMMA on YouTube now ▶️👇
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Makhachev's reign as UFC lightweight champion was, in plain terms, part of Nurmagomedov's father's plan. The vision was accomplished against Charles Oliveira at UFC 280.
The MMA community at large anticipated that Makhachev would struggle against Oliveira's exceptional grappling skills. Nonetheless, the Dagestani demonstrated that he is a force to be reckoned with by submitting Oliveira in just two rounds in a performance that was beyond outstanding. But who gave Islam Makhachev his toughest test of his UFC career?
According to the scorecards, surging lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan was one of Makhachev's toughest tests in the UFC. It was a spectacular contest regardless of the judges' verdicts, with both combatants scrambling for dominant positions that enthralled grappling enthusiasts.
Additionally, one of the judges scored the third round against Makhachev. While two judges scored the third round in favor of Makhachev, David Lethaby gave the round to Tsarukyan with a score of 10-9.
Islam Makhachev's most competitive fight in the last 7 years took place against Arman Tsarukyan.
Tsarukyan was 22 years old at the time of the fight.
This contest earned fight of the night honors and showed the potential of Tsarukyan.
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Check out the official scorecards below:
Arman Tsarukyan claims that his dream fight is to rematch Islam Makhachev
A strong case can be made that Arman Tsarukyan gave UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev his toughest test yet. As far as Tsarukyan is concerned, he has unfinished business with the Dagestani.
Makhachev went on to become the undisputed lightweight champion, while Tsarukyan has been on an impressive run of his own, collecting six victories in seven bouts.
Check out the full fight below:
In an interview with Red Corner MMA, Tsarukyan claimed a rematch with Islam Makhachev is his dream fight in the UFC at the moment:
“It would be Islam Makhachev. He's improved a lot and he got a lot of experience because he already has the title and he’s the champion. I’ve got to work hard and I have a couple of fights to win and hopefully I get a title shot in one year and a half.”
Check out the full interview below: