Makhachev Confident He Would Finish His Younger Self in One Round

11 hours ago7 min read

In a revealing interview that showcases both his supreme confidence and remarkable evolution as a fighter, UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev boldly claimed he would need just one round to finish his younger 2015 self, stating he'd submit that less-developed version through his superior ground game. 'One round maximum,' Makhachev declared when asked how a hypothetical bout against his earlier incarnation would unfold, elaborating that his path to victory would come via submission against an Islam who 'wasn't as good on the ground back then.' This stark self-assessment highlights the extraordinary technical growth of the Dagestani fighter, who has transformed from a promising prospect into one of the most dominant champions in UFC history under the legendary tutelage of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov and continued guidance from Khabib Nurmagomedov. The timing of this introspective commentary carries particular significance as Makhachev prepares for his November 16th headline bout against UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in New York, a champion-versus-champion showdown that represents another ambitious challenge for the pound-for-pound great.Makhachev's candid reflection offers fascinating insight into fighter development, particularly within the famed Dagestani system where continuous improvement remains a cornerstone philosophy. His specific mention of having a 'favorite move' ready for his younger self hints at the strategic depth now present in his game, a sophistication built through hundreds of hours of training at American Kickboxing Academy alongside luminaries like Daniel Cormier and Luke Rockhold.This evolution becomes even more impressive when considering Makhachev's current 70% readiness declaration ahead of the Della Maddalena fight, suggesting his peak form represents an even more formidable version than the one confident of dispatching his 2015 iteration. The champion's dismissive comments about chasing a fight with Topuria further reveal a fighter focused on meaningful challenges rather than superficial accolades, understanding that his legacy will be built against elite competition rather than through weight-class tourism. As fight night approaches in Madison Square Garden, Makhachev's self-analysis provides compelling context for understanding just how far this martial artist has come—and how terrifying his complete form might be when fully prepared to defend his throne.

#featured

#Islam Makhachev

#UFC 322

#fight prediction

#self-analysis

#Jack Della Maddalena

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