“I want to be the next Khabib. I want to be like Khabib,” admitted Islam Makhachev nearly four years ago, back when his name first began appearing in title-contention talks. Fast forward to today, and Makhachev has firmly carved out his place among the greatest lightweights in UFC history. Guided by the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov and later supported by ‘The Eagle’ in his corner, he went on to defeat elite names like Alexander Volkanovski (twice), Charles Oliveira, and Dustin Poirier during a remarkable championship run.

Still, unlike Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev doesn’t carry an undefeated résumé, but fans have never stopped comparing the two. After ruling the lightweight division for years, he now turns to a new challenge. Tonight, he makes his welterweight debut against reigning cha

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