Published 57 days ago
The UFC lightweight champion analyzes his two most demanding battles against two of the best in his division.
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Islam Makhachev has identified his two toughest UFC fights: his battle against Alexander Volkanovski in 2023 and his clash with Ian Garry at UFC 330. Despite his victories, these duels tested his endurance and technique to the limit.
To remember:
- Makhachev considers his fight against Volkanovski in 2023 the most grueling of his career.
- This five-round battle confirmed Volkanovski as one of his most formidable rivals.
- The clash with Ian Garry, undefeated before their meeting, also left a mark on the champion with its intensity.
Incredible but true: even a champion like Islam Makhachev admits to being pushed to the limit in some of his fights. The Russian-Azerbaijani, current UFC lightweight titleholder, recently shared his analysis of the two battles that tested him the most. And here's the surprise: these fights aren't the ones you'd expect!
A Legendary Fight: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski in 2023
On February 12, 2023, at UFC 220, Islam Makhachev delivered one of the most intense fights of his career against Alexander Volkanovski. Five rounds of rare intensity, where the Russian had to dig deep to secure a points victory. Despite his win, Makhachev didn’t hide his admiration for the Australian’s resilience. Volkanovski, then the featherweight champion, proved he could compete with the best in the lightweight division. This fight confirmed his status as Makhachev’s most formidable rival.
Garry, the Irishman Who Left His Mark on Makhachev
More recently, at UFC 330 in December 2024, Makhachev faced Ian Garry, an undefeated opponent before their meeting. Though victorious on points, the champion highlighted the difficulty of this duel. Garry, known for his aggressive style and endurance, pushed Makhachev to his limits. This fight left a lasting impression and confirmed that Garry is now among the three toughest opponents Makhachev has ever faced.
Opponents Redefining Excellence
These two fights illustrate a reality: the best in the UFC don’t just win—they challenge champions every time. Volkanovski and Garry have both proven they can compete with the legends of the lightweight division. For Makhachev, these battles aren’t just victories—they’re lessons in humility and fight spirit.
Between endurance, technique, and fight spirit, these two battles revealed the true measure of Makhachev’s opponents. Fights that, though victorious, left an indelible mark on the champion’s career.