Islam Makhachev: “Arman, Dustin, Justin, Charles—They Are All Good, They’re Top 5 in the World, but None of Them Will Get the Belt While I’m Here. That’s It!”

The Reign of Islam Makhachev

Few champions in UFC history have exuded the same level of dominance, confidence, and sheer technical mastery as Islam Makhachev. Since winning the UFC Lightweight Championship, the Dagestani phenom has continued to build upon the legacy of his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, proving that his reign at the top is far from temporary.

Recently, Makhachev made a bold statement that sent shockwaves through the lightweight division:

“Arman, Dustin, Justin, Charles—they are all good, they’re top 5 in the world, but none of them will get the belt while I’m here. That’s it!”

With these words, Makhachev essentially dismissed every top contender as a legitimate threat to his throne. But is he right? Can any of these elite fighters dethrone him, or is he truly unbeatable?

What makes Makhachev so dominant?
How do his skills compare to the lightweight division’s best?
Could a rising contender like Arman Tsarukyan or a veteran like Dustin Poirier break through his defense?

Let’s take a deep dive into the Makhachev era, analyze each top contender, and determine if anyone has a legitimate chance at taking his belt.

Makhachev’s Dominance – Why No One Can Stop Him

Since becoming the UFC Lightweight Champion, Islam Makhachev has looked virtually unstoppable. His well-rounded skill set, elite wrestling, improved striking, and high fight IQ have made him a nightmare for any opponent.

Here’s why Makhachev is such a dominant force:

1. Unmatched Sambo and Wrestling Control

Makhachev’s background in Sambo, Dagestani wrestling, and relentless grappling pressure mirrors what made Khabib Nurmagomedov one of the greatest fighters of all time. His ability to neutralize opponents on the ground is second to none in the division.

✔ Takes opponents down at will
✔ Controls positioning like a chess master
✔ Relentless top pressure, making it nearly impossible to escape

Many of his victories have come from methodically breaking down his opponents with suffocating control before securing a submission or dominant decision victory.

2. Striking Improvements – The Evolution of a Champion

While wrestling is Makhachev’s bread and butter, his striking has improved significantly under the guidance of Javier Mendez at AKA.

✔ More precise counter-striking
✔ Better defensive head movement
✔ Increased power, as seen in his KO victory over Bobby Green

These improvements have forced opponents to respect his stand-up, making it even easier for him to set up takedowns.

3. Cardio and Fight IQ – The Complete Fighter

Unlike many powerful grapplers, Makhachev has incredible endurance. He can maintain his wrestling-heavy game plan for five full rounds, frustrating opponents who eventually become exhausted.

Manages energy efficiently
Adjusts strategy mid-fight to exploit weaknesses
Rarely makes mistakes, staying disciplined and patient

This level of fight IQ is what separates great fighters from legendary champions.

The Top 5 Contenders – Do Any Stand a Chance?

While Makhachev is confident that none of his top-ranked challengers can dethrone him, let’s break down each contender’s strengths and weaknesses in a potential matchup against the champion.

1. Arman Tsarukyan – The Rising Threat

Record: 21-3
Key Strengths: Elite wrestling, explosive striking, improved conditioning

Why He Could Beat Makhachev:

• Arman Tsarukyan already faced Makhachev in 2019, and despite losing, he showed that his wrestling could hang with the champion.

• He has since improved significantly, developing better striking, stronger cardio, and more experience in high-level fights.

• Unlike others in the division, he can potentially match Makhachev’s grappling, forcing the champ into a striking battle.

Why He Might Fall Short:

• While Tsarukyan is elite, Makhachev already beat him once and has only improved.

• His lack of five-round experience could be a factor in a championship fight.

Verdict: Tsarukyan has the best chance among the challengers, but Makhachev’s experience and dominance still give him the edge.

2. Dustin Poirier – The Veteran Finisher

Record: 30-8 (1 NC)
Key Strengths: Dangerous boxing, elite finishing ability, toughness

Why He Could Beat Makhachev:

• One of the best strikers in the division, Poirier’s boxing and power could cause problems for Makhachev.

• Cardio and resilience—he has survived wars against top fighters and can push the pace in later rounds.

• Submission threat—Poirier has caught several opponents in guillotines when they shoot for takedowns.

Why He Might Fall Short:

• Takedown defense remains a weakness, which plays directly into Makhachev’s strength.

• Struggled against other dominant grapplers (Khabib, Oliveira)—Makhachev poses a similar challenge.

Verdict: Poirier’s striking is dangerous, but Makhachev would likely take him down and dominate on the ground.

3. Justin Gaethje – The Most Violent Striker

Record: 25-4
Key Strengths: Devastating leg kicks, insane durability, explosive power

Why He Could Beat Makhachev:

• His striking power can knock out anyone if he lands clean.

• Elite takedown defense—a former All-American wrestler, Gaethje has solid defensive wrestling.

Why He Might Fall Short:

• He has shown difficulty against elite grapplers (losses to Khabib, Oliveira).

• His aggressive style could lead to reckless mistakes, allowing Makhachev to capitalize.

Verdict: Gaethje’s power is dangerous, but Makhachev’s grappling would neutralize him.

4. Charles Oliveira – The Submission King

Record: 34-9 (1 NC)
Key Strengths: BJJ wizardry, high finishing rate, relentless pressure

Why He Could Beat Makhachev:

• Most submission wins in UFC history—if he catches Makhachev in a scramble, it could be dangerous.

• Aggressive stand-up game—his Muay Thai could trouble the champion early.

Why He Might Fall Short:

• Already lost to Makhachev convincingly—was taken down and submitted.

• Struggles against dominant wrestlers—Makhachev’s pressure is a nightmare for his style.

Verdict: Makhachev already proved he can beat Oliveira, and nothing suggests a rematch would go differently.

Final Verdict – Can Anyone Stop Makhachev?

Based on current skills, matchups, and styles, Islam Makhachev is absolutely correct in his statement—none of the top contenders seem capable of taking his belt right now.

Arman Tsarukyan might be the closest threat, but he needs more experience.
Poirier, Gaethje, and Oliveira all have clear weaknesses against Makhachev’s style.

The reality is, Makhachev is in his prime, and the lightweight division still lacks someone with the perfect skill set to dethrone him. Until someone evolves enough to challenge his dominance, his reign could last for years.

What do you think? Is Makhachev truly unbeatable, or will one of these contenders shock the world? Let us know in the comments!