Where does Islam Makhachev fall short of Khabib Nurmagomedov? Justin Gaethje explains
Islam Makhachev has been referred to as Khabib Nurmagomedov 2.0 by several training partners and coaches, including Josh Thomson and Daniel Cormier. But according to lightweight contender Justin Gaethje, there is one vital difference between the pair.
Gaethje believes that the two Dagestanis are "very similar" fighters, with the difference between them being Makhachev's KO defeat. 'The Highlight' stated that the lightweight champion's "aura of invincibility" is not the same as that of 'The Eagle', who never lost a fight.
Islam Makhachev's lone defeat in MMA came at UFC 192 in 2015, where he was KO'd by Adriano Martins in Round 1.
Gaethje was recently interviewed by TMZ Sports, where he said:
"I think they're very similar. I think the biggest difference is that Islam's been finished. He's lost a fight, he's been finished, and so that aura of invincibility is there but it's not based on 100% percent facts like Khabib had. I think that's the biggest difference."
Watch the interview below from 4:50:
Justin Gaethje faced Khabib Nurmagomedov in the octagon at UFC 254 in 2020 and is hoping to face Islam Makhachev next following an impressive win over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 286.
'The Highlight' was submitted by 'The Eagle' in Round 2 of their clash. But Makhachev's previous KO defeat will give Gaethje the confidence that he could be the second man to knock the lightweight champion out.
Beneil Dariush on possibly facing Islam Makhachev, shares his thoughts on Alexander Volkanovski bout
Islam Makhachev reportedly stated that he hopes Beneil Dariush defeats Charles Oliveira at UFC 288, with the pair of lightweight contenders set to clash in the co-main event.
Dariush was informed of Makhachev's statement during a recent interview with MMA journalist Helen Yee. The No.4-ranked lightweight responded with a wish of his own whilst sharing his thoughts on possibly facing the Dagestani star:
"Ideally I wish we could have fought in July. I know he wanted to fight Volkanovski. But we could've just booked him and I in July. But that's fine with me, I'll take care of Charles, Lord willing. And then we move onto Makhachev whenever."
Beneil Dariush then shared his thoughts on the lightweight champion's bout against Alexander Volkanovski. Islam Makhachev was without his longtime friend and teammate Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner, and many wondered how that would affect him, but Makhachev secured the victory.
Dariush said:
"The one thing that surprised me is that [Islam's] striking looked clean. I knew his striking was good, but it looked really clean in that fight. I was impressed with his striking, and with his grappling, it just doubled down on what I already believed."
Watch the interview below from 1:50: