Islam Makhachev found himself irked by Michael Chandler’s meteoric rise in the UFC rankings. Chandler, a prior holder of the Bellator championship, required merely a single victory to qualify for a run at the vacant lightweight crown upon his introduction to UFC. Just a month into 2021, he floored Dan Hooker, subsequently landing a face-off against Charles Oliveira for the championship bout a quarter year later. Despite his energetic start, Chandler’s thunder was stolen when he suffered a knockout and match loss at UFC 262.
The ascent narratives of Chandler (with a record of 23-9 MMA, 2-4 UFC) and Makhachev (boasting a record of 26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC), the incumbent UFC lightweight titleholder, starkly differ. Securing his title shot demanded a winning streak and quite the grind, with Makhachev clinching ten fights in succession before his maiden championship chance materialized.
Makhachev confessed to Demetrious Johnson the considerable struggle and labor he faced on his expedition towards his UFC title achievement. A series of ten triumphant bouts were fought and won before thoughts of championship gold became distinctly tangible. He rallied that the time was ripe for his championship match as he had exhausted every potential effort and strategy, and was now well-equipped with the strategic skillset for laying claim to the coveted title.
Islam Makhachev is no stranger to the marketing game that accompanies the acclamation of fight sports. He admits that his challenge may have been compounded by a minor language barrier that directly impacted his promotional abilities. He also concedes that his reticence in the promotional arena could have played a pivotal role in his longer title ascent.
Viewing Chandler’s accelerated rise to the top was a grim reminder for Makhachev of the uphill fight he had endured. English not being his first language and his minimal self-advertisement triggered a sense of injustice in Makhachev, who had dedicated his life to overcoming challenges and rivals in the UFC.
Makhachev’s encounters with the top fighters in his category were no cakewalk, and time and again he struggled to find a fighter willing to contend with him. These battles were not unique to him, as his companion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, also navigated similar tumultuous waters. In their world, there were no shortcuts nor any easy ways to the top.
Makhachev further voiced his disdain towards the circumstances that permitted fighters, like Michael Chandler, to pivot from other organizations like Bellator into the UFC, and then leapfrog him for a title opportunity after only one draw. Chandler bested Hooker and proceeded directly to a title bout, a career trajectory that stung Makhachev and one that he could not emulate.
Undeniably, this situation agitated him and added to his growing frustration. He had charted a long, arduous journey, pitted against a catalog of fighters over numerous years, only to witness others fast-tracking their way to title bouts. Makhachev felt slighted as he observed someone else leapfrog the ladder and contest for the championship before he got his shot.
Nonetheless, the drawn-out wait ultimately proved worthwhile for Makhachev, bestowing him with the UFC’s ranking as the number one pound-for-pound fighter. His endurance and steadfastness in the face of adversity had finally brought him to the pinnacle of his sport.
As the current champion, Makhachev now aims to etch his name in UFC history by successfully defending his lightweight title for an unprecedented fourth time. This milestone is within his sight, and he will look to seize the opportunity when he steps back into the ring.
Set to rematch Arman Tsarukyan, Makhachev is geared up to headline UFC 311 on January 18. His eyes are firmly set on the prize as he prepares to reign supreme in the lightweight category once more.
Titles may provide several privileges, but they also come with the great responsibility of defending the honor. However, Makhachev is no stranger to hard work and has proven that he can overcome adversity. He is undoubtedly prepared for whatever may come.