What's Islam Makachev's Ceiling?

[kezxtie]

A question for those who are so high on Islam. How many ranked opponents has he beat? Who are his best wins? Did he go to a 29-28 decision with the debuting Arman Tsarukyan while being ranked? Is he elite just through relation to Khabib? Because his record does not confirm this

Stupid logic

Every champion had shitty wins on their record at one point

In regards to OP, Islam will not be a staple of the top 5. He's simply too chinny

 

[Celeron]

He got tko'd by a bjj specialist so i'd say gatekeeper at best

And so did GSP, so whats your point?

 

[DivineMind]

A question for those who are so high on Islam. How many ranked opponents has he beat? Who are his best wins? Did he go to a 29-28 decision with the debuting Arman Tsarukyan while being ranked? Is he elite just through relation to Khabib? Because his record does not confirm this

Agreed.

 

[Coolkid666]

The Floor

 

[kingmob6]

Islam is going to top 5, from there only guesses. Once he enters top 10, it will be easier for him to get better fights, that's the only thing holding him back from some recognition. And obviously, us fans, need to see him fight some studs to really tell what his potential is.

 

[mallen7272]

And so did GSP, so whats your point?

Uhhh GSP was already champ at that point...so....

 

[Celeron]

Uhhh GSP was already champ at that point...so....

Exactly, so even the champ and one of the greatest fighters of all time got caught by a BJJ specialist. But because it happened to Islam very early on in his career he’s only capable of gate keeper? That makes no sense

 

[Peli]

Stupid logic

Every champion had shitty wins on their record at one point

In regards to OP, Islam will not be a staple of the top 5. He's simply too chinny

He got knocked out...Once. Isn't it too quick to give him that label?

 

[ExitLUPin]

He's as technically sound as anyone but he doesn't have Khabibs athleticism/explosiveness and intangibles

 

[Sure Dawg]

Not that high like people think, he has similar grappling ability to Khabib but Khabib is better. When it comes to other intangibles, Khabib has a much better chin, better striking defense and his striking offense compliments his grappling better than Islam's

khabib himself said islam is a better wrestler than him. unfortunately he seems to want to strike more than grapple, id like to see that

 

[The Chosen]

The way he KO’d Tibau was nice. He might rely on his striking more than Khabib, but he’ll probably become more conservative when he fights elite guys.

 

[kezxtie]

He got knocked out...Once. Isn't it too quick to give him that label?

He got knocked out by a weak punch and was dropped by Davi Ramos too

A chin doesn't improve over time.

 

[MEAN357]

Islam's ceiling = Khabib's basement

POTY

 

[DivineMind]

Stupid logic

Every champion had shitty wins on their record at one point

In regards to OP, Islam will not be a staple of the top 5. He's simply too chinny

But, but, he totally dominated that high school wrestler in that Youtube video at AKA, he's gotta be the future champ!

 

[fightfan70]

he is like a khabib that is willing to take chances.

its either going to work out good for him or bad

 

[Deleted member 571517]

Islam's ceiling = Khabib's basement

According to other AKA buddies, Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov are among the most well rounded guys in the gym.

 

[Volador]

IMO the guy is already top 10 in terms of talent. I'd favor him over Cerrone, Gillespie, Iaquinta, Lee, and possibly Felder.

The top 5 is extremely high level with Conor, Tony, Dustin, Justin, Hooker, so not so sure about that. The bad thing is he needs to fight more often. At this pace it'll take forever to climb through the ranks.

 

[xP]

Who knows, he won't fight anyone.

Dan Hooker beats the brakes off him imo. He definitely isn't top five. Very big difference between him and Khabib. People always cite how well rounded Islam is but well rounded doesn't always mean better. Khabib is good because he can outgrapple anyone in the division. Islam can't strike with the top strikers and he doesn't have Khabib's overwhelming grappling.

 

[notsojollyrogerRIP]

I've been wondering the same myself and I think a lot of other people have. Solid question.

 

[Peli]

He's as technically sound as anyone but he doesn't have Khabibs athleticism/explosiveness and intangibles

So where do you see his ceiling ultimately being?

IMO the guy is already top 10 in terms of talent. I'd favor him over Cerrone, Gillespie, Iaquinta, Lee, and possibly Felder.

The top 5 is extremely high level with Conor, Tony, Dustin, Justin, Hooker, so not so sure about that. The bad thing is he needs to fight more often. At this pace it'll take forever to climb through the ranks.

I agree with you. I think he's a top 5, top 6 LW right now but hasn't been given the opportunity to show it. I think he can beat oliveira too.

Cerrone, gillespie are ranked higher than him but they aren't top 10. 11 and 12 respectively iirc