If you look at the definition of the word ‘dominant’ in a dictionary, you will find pictures of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makahachev. Or at least you should. After all, the Dagestani wonder twins dominated the UFC’s lightweight division for the past decade and looked unbeatable while doing it.
While Nurmagomedov is the most dominant fighter in the history of the sport, he not only retired undefeated but hardly even lost a round in his career. Makhachev was a bit of a late bloomer and was beaten by Adriano Martins in 2015. But in the past few years, he, too, has entered Nurmagomedov levels of aura, having developed a dangerous striking game to go with his already best-in-sport grappling. And Joe Rogan feels there is one main reason Nurmagomedov and Makhachev looked like they are in another league from their opponents: their unwavering discipline.
“Khabib had unbelievably grueling training sessions. And, you know, that was one of the things that was so apparent, like, with his endurance. And his discipline was like second to none. They were like ‘no girlfriends, no phones, f—ing no video games, f–k you,” Rogan told outdoorsman Cam Hanes on episode #2316 of the JRE podcast.
“We train and, you know, recover, train, eat, recover, train. And you want to really be a champion, this is how you have to work. This is how Islam Makhachev is so good, that’s why Khabib is so good– those guys are disciplined,” he added.
Indeed, discipline is the central pillar of Nurmagomedov, Makhachev, and their whole Dagestani camp’s fight philosophy. These guys don’t drink, don’t smoke, and don’t even party. Even when out of camp, they keep in shape and constantly train hard to improve their skills.
Intercontinental Downtown Los Angeles LOS ANGELES, CA- JANUARY 17: L-R Joe Rogan and Islam Makhachev at the ceremonial weigh-in at Intercontinental Downtown Los Angeles for UFC311 Makhachev vs Tsarukyan 2 : Official Weigh-ins on January 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA, United States. Photo by Louis Grasse/PxImages Louis Grasse / SPP PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxBRAxMEX Copyright: xLouisxGrassex/xSPPx spp-en-LoGr-lrg2501170081796_UFC311
Khabib’s father, Abdulmanap, who was once in the Russian military, brought the military discipline to his own home, and drilled the importance of hard work and dedication into Khabib, his cousins, and Makhachev. The harder you work in camp, the easier the fight, as the combat sports saying goes.
Which is perhaps why not only do Makhachev and Nurmagomedov win, but they decimate their competition and rivals. But right now, Makhachev has taken on a challenge that could define not only his future, but his entire legacy and reputation in the combat sports world.
Why Islam Makhachev risks losing everything with welterweight move
Islam Makhachev is about to face welterweight champ Jack Della Maddalena for the latter’s title. The Dagestani, of course, has long wanted to win a second title, chasing the euphoric high he got after winning the lightweight title three years ago. And now, with his friend Belal Muhammad losing the welterweight crown at UFC 315, Makhachev has officially moved up.
Which could be a lose-lose situation for the Makhachkala native, given Ilia Topuria‘s recent comments. ‘El Matador’ of course, is set to fight Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 for the lightweight title Makhachev has vacated. And ahead of the June 28 clash, Topuria had a warning that should concern the Dagestani. “After this fight when I have the belt, he can get in line, which is a long one and someone’s eyes will be shining,” ‘El Matador’ said at a recent presser.
Should Makhachev lose to ‘JDM’ and wants to move back to lightweight, he won’t get a title shot right away if Topuria is champion. In fact, the Spanish national will make Makhachev wait in line until the other contenders like Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett get their shots.
So, potentially, Makhachev could go from being the dominant lightweight champ and pound-for-pound king to having no title and being very far from fighting for his old title. Another reason Makhachev’s next fight may be the most important one of his career.
The post Joe Rogan Points Common Factor Behind Khabib Nurmagomedov & Islam Makhachev’s Unparalleled UFC Success appeared first on EssentiallySports.