Islam Makhachev, the UFC lightweight champion, is a formidable force in the octagon, currently boasting an impressive professional record of 26 wins and just one loss. His only defeat came early in his career when he was caught off guard by Adriano Martins in 2015. Since then, Makhachev has cultivated a 14-fight win streak, solidifying his place as one of the toughest competitors in mixed martial arts (MMA). As he prepares to defend his title against Arman Tsarukyan in the UFC 311 main event on January 18, 2024, his dominance raises important strategic questions for challengers looking to dethrone him.
Beneil Dariush, an experienced lightweight contender, has expressed his views on what it takes to best Makhachev in the octagon. With a wealth of experience and recent insight gained from his own bouts, Dariush emphasizes that beating Makhachev requires a specialized game plan focused on striking rather than grappling. Dariush advises Tsarukyan to use aggression, suggesting that successfully countering Makhachev’s feints is essential for gaining an upper hand. Acknowledging Makhachev’s grappling specialization, Dariush underscores the importance of presenting pressure in striking, which he believes may create opportunities to exploit weaknesses.
Dariush’s assertion that strikers can find success against Makhachev hinges on the idea of overcoming psychological tactics such as feints and fakes. He points out that Makhachev’s tendency to mix up his attacks can create intimidating scenarios for fighters who are not adept at reading his movements. Hence, a fighter’s ability to respond to these tactical cues can significantly influence the outcome of their fight. Dariush suggests that meeting Makhachev’s feints head-on can break the champion’s rhythm, allowing the opponent to seize control of the fight tempo.
Balancing Grappling and Striking Skills
While Dariush acknowledges Makhachev’s grappling prowess, he believes that a fighter could still find success if they are well-rounded—maintaining solid grappling skills while specializing in striking. This hybrid approach, focusing on pressuring the champion where he is least comfortable, is seen as a viable strategy. Sticking to a game plan that involves a mix of aggression and counter-attacks could allow an opponent to expose potential gaps in Makhachev’s otherwise well-rounded defense.
As Dariush himself prepares for a return to the octagon against Renato Moicano on the same night as Makhachev’s title defense, fans are eager to see how his strategies might evolve. Having suffered a knockout loss to Tsarukyan, Dariush’s insights are not just theoretical; they are born from the frustration of defeat and the desire to improve. Ultimately, the landscape of the lightweight division will be closely watched as fighters embrace new strategies and seek to build on the lessons learned from their predecessors.
By analyzing the approaches employed by competitors, it becomes clear that adaptability remains key. While Makhachev presents challenges that may intimidate many, an astute challenger could capitalize on learned tactics to tilt the odds. The battle between striking and grappling continues in the ever-evolving world of UFC, compelling fighters to rethink their methods and evolve their game.