Islam Makhachev has firmly established himself as a formidable champion in the UFC lightweight division, boasting an impressive record of 27 wins and just one loss, with 16 of those victories coming in the UFC. His latest defense of the lightweight title at UFC 311 showcased his grappling dominance, as he submitted Renato Moicano with ease in the first round. Makhachev’s ascent to the top has not been a fluke; he has already bested a significant portion of the division, having defeated four out of the six top-ranked lightweights. This track record puts into perspective the challenges that await any contender vying for his title.
Beneil Dariush, a seasoned fighter in the lightweight category with a record of 22-6-1, has expressed his thoughts on who might pose the greatest threat to Makhachev’s reign. With barely any time to recover from a recent two-fight losing streak, Dariush’s delay in ascending to title contention could undermine his credibility to some degree. However, he believes that despite his recent struggles, there are other fighters better equipped to challenge Makhachev, specifically pointing to the former featherweight champion Max Holloway.
Dariush’s consideration of Holloway (26-8) as a viable contender against Makhachev reflects an interesting shift in the common narrative within the lightweight division. Holloway’s fighting style, characterized by relentless cardio and high-volume striking, strengthens the argument that he can indeed provide unique challenges to Makhachev. Dariush pointed out that Holloway’s ability to maintain a grueling pace, particularly in the later rounds, could disrupt Makhachev’s game plan. This commentary brings to light the importance of cardio in MMA, a factor that often determines the outcome in championship fights, especially as fatigue sets in in the championship rounds.
Holloway’s Recent Performances
While Holloway’s recent fights have shown his skill set across different weight classes, they also illustrate a precarious journey. His striking clinic against Justin Gaethje in UFC 300 reaffirmed his capabilities, but it was counterbalanced by a KO defeat against Ilia Topuria during his return to featherweight at UFC 308. This inconsistency raises questions about Holloway’s ability to maintain championship-level performance and recover from setbacks, a crucial factor when considering him as a challenger for the lightweight title.
Dariush’s Path Forward
Meanwhile, Dariush’s current state complicates his future in the division. While he may not have the recent footprint to assert himself as a next-in-line contender, his insights highlight the dynamism and ongoing discussions within the lightweight landscape. The UFC’s tendency to match fighters based on intriguing storylines, performance, and public interest could enable Dariush to bounce back, solidifying his standing if he can secure significant wins in upcoming fights.
As the landscape of the UFC lightweight division continues to evolve, the potential for dethroning a champion like Makhachev hinges on several unpredictable components—matchmaking, fighters’ performances, and their ability to adapt. Although Makhachev remains a daunting wall for challengers, fighters such as Max Holloway symbolize the fresh narratives that keep the sport engaging. In a field where an upset can happen any given night, the next chapter in the lightweight saga promises to be compelling.