UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov sees three particular welterweights who could pose a threat to Islam Makhachev.
Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) relinquished his UFC lightweight title earlier this summer for a move up to 170 pounds and is expected to challenge Jack Della Maddalena before the end of the year. Makhachev broke the record for most title defenses at lightweight when he submitted Renato Moicano at UFC 311 to notch his fourth.
Now that he’s at a new weight class, his mentor, Nurmagomedov, still predicts that he’ll rule at the top but is wary of numerous fighters who could be dangerous.
“In the welterweight division, I see Shavkat (Rakhmonov) as someone who commands respect and brings real risk,” Nurmagomedov said in an interview with Kamil Gadzhiyev (h/t Championship Rounds). “Shavkat, Belal (Muhammad). Ian Garry, I wouldn’t consider him such a serious threat.
“I don’t see Sean Brady as a big threat. Stylistically, he’s too convenient for Islam. Islam would outstrike him, and if they grappled, Islam would control him. I don’t see Brady as a dangerous opponent. He’s strong, a good fighter, but I don’t see it. Shavkat, Belal, and Maddalena (are).”
In Della Maddalena (18-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC), Nurmagomedov sees a champion who’s past opposition will have him well prepared against Makhachev.
“Judging by his skills, his technique, his striking, and the way he defends against wrestlers – because he’s fought wrestlers,” Nurmagomedov said. “Ramazan (Emeev) wrestles well, Gilbert Burns wrestles well, Belal Muhammad wrestles well. He’s fought guys with long reach, (Kevin) Holland for example.
“He’s fought wrestlers, strikers and physically strong guys. He’s passed every test, 9-0 UFC champion, and he trains with the same team that prepared (Alexander) Volkanovski for Islam. Putting all that together, I see a very dangerous opponent.”
