Makhachev: “Opponents start looking for wrestling coaches two or three months before the fight, but it doesn’t work”

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev said on Match TV that his opponents, in preparation for the fight, are unable to reach his level in wrestling.

Makhachev finished 2025 in first place in the UFC rankings, regardless of weight categories. The Russian topped the P4P rankings in mid-November after defeating Australian Jack Della Maddalena in the welterweight division at UFC 322 in New York. He became the first fighter from Russia and the 11th in the history of the promotion to win two championship belts. Prior to this, the Russian vacated the title of champion of the organization in the lightweight division, which is now held by Ilia Topuria.

— Have you already reached the level where you prepare equally for each opponent, and do not adapt to a specific opponent?

– I think yes. It’s no secret that our school is famous for wrestling. This is how Khabib defeated his opponents, and I win. Opponents start looking for wrestling coaches two or three months before the fight, but it doesn’t work. They already understood this. I can fight standing up, but I know that my wrestling is on a different level compared to my opponents,” Makhachev said on the air of the “Everyone for the Match!” program. on Match TV.

34-year-old Makhachev has 28 victories and one defeat in mixed martial arts.

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