Islam Makhachev could go on run that blows away Khabib, every other UFC lightweight champ

ABU DHABI – Dana White has been effusive in his praise for Khabib Nurmagomedov. And now, he extends the same admiration to one of his proteges.

Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) knocked out featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski (26-3 MMA, 13-2 UFC) in the first round of the UFC 294 main event Saturday in Abu Dhabi. UFC CEO White dismisses the notion that Makhachev lives in the shadow of retired lightweight belt holder Nurmagomedov.

Makhachev was originally scheduled to fight Charles Oliveira, but when Oliveira withdrew due to injury, Volkanovski stepped in. After an initial close fight between the two, Makhachev dominated the rematch, finishing Volkanovski quickly.

“I don’t know if he really lives in Khabib’s shadow,” White expressed during the UFC 294 post-event news conference at Etihad Arena. “(Saturday) was a big step in the right direction. The guy’s been dominant. Then, all the controversy that came off that last fight, and he finishes this fight the way that he did. … He went in there and viciously, impressively finished this fight with a (Mirko) ‘Crocop’-esque kick to the head. It doesn’t get any better than that against a very tough, durable guy who has a great chin. You don’t ever see anybody do that to Volkanovski.”

Having trained with Khabib and Khabib’s late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Makhachev naturally draws comparisons to his mentor. However, White believes Makhachev has the potential to surpass Khabib as the greatest lightweight of all time.

“(If) he keeps doing what he’s doing – you’ve just got to keep grinding and knocking them down one by one – and it eventually happens,” White explained. “The truth is, when you look at Khabib – and nothing against Khabib; Khabib came in and won the title and defended – but (Makhachev) could go on a defense run that absolutely blows everybody away that ever held the belt in that division.”

White also speculates that Makhachev could pursue a second title, this time in the welterweight division currently ruled by Leon Edwards.

However, White doesn’t foresee that happening anytime soon.

“I guess he’s talented enough (to win two belts),” White remarked. “I don’t see that happening any time soon. He’s still got some guys to fight (at lightweight). But if he defends the belt for another year and wanted to move up, why not?”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 294.

Story originally appeared on MMA Junkie