Islam Makhachev did not have the proper equipment for training sessions in striking before his bosom friend Khabib Nurmagomedov joined the UFC. The current UFC lightweight champ appeared in the latest episode of the ‘Weighing In’ podcast where he revealed that none of the fighters in his camp had “boxing gloves” before Khabib’s UFC entry. On top of it, Makahchev also revealed how such a deficiency had a positive impact on his development.
Both Makhachev and Khabib have dominated the world in the sport of combat sambo.’The Eagle’ has claimed two world championships to his name while Makhachev stands as a one-time world champion and a two-time Russian national champion in the sport. The UFC community has also been fascinated by the Dagestani fighters’ advanced ground game.
The 32-year-old revealed how they used to train in just grappling or wrestling in his initial days due to the lack of proper equipment for striking. Makahchev also implied that his and Khabib’s awesome ground game was a result of the fact that they didn’t have “boxing gloves” during that time. He said,
“When I was beginning, nobody in our gym had boxing gloves. We knew just one thing, coming to the gym and wrestling and grappling all day. When Khabib signed with the UFC, we began to do some sparring. But before that, we were all wrestlers.”
Well, Khabib’s UFC performances detail that he depended mostly on his ground game to get the better of his rivals. However, Makhachev’s performances at UFC 284 and 294 have proven that he can hold in own even in striking. Still, it will be wise for the 32-year-old to avoid an out-and-out striking game against his next rival at UFC 302.
Islam Makhachev wants to resort to the learnings of his initial training days during his UFC 302 fight
Islam Makhachev is all set to defend his UFC lightweight gold against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. However, he might make a big mistake if he chooses to test his striking prowess against ‘The Diamond’.
Poirier’s in-octagon showdowns bear testimony to his phenomenal striking skills. Moreover, the Louisiana native’s last performance at UFC 299 revealed that he still has enough to knock the lights out of top lightweight contenders like Benoit Saint-Denis.
This is probably why the Dagestani is planning to finish Poirier via a submission. Hence, the entire situation details that Makhachev might be thankful for the initial days of his training when none of his gym-mates had boxing gloves. He would have become an easier target for Poirier if he hadn’t developed his ground game during those days.
