Islam Makhachev - Record, Stats and AI-Analytics
Islam Makhachev represents the modern archetype of a complete mixed martial artist. His style combines elite grappling, calculated striking, and exceptional fight IQ. Rather than relying on chaos or explosiveness, Makhachev dominates through control, efficiency, and strategic precision.
- 13-3-0Record
- 11KO / TKO
- 2Decision
STRIKING
Striking Breakdown
Makhachev’s striking has evolved from a purely defensive system into a highly effective offensive weapon. As a southpaw, he uses timing, distance, and composure to control exchanges and create openings for both strikes and takedowns.
He rarely wastes energy — every strike serves a purpose within his overall game plan.
He rarely wastes energy — every strike serves a purpose within his overall game plan.
- 66%Strikes effectivenessaccording to Stats Fight app
- Southpaw precisionControls distance with a sharp jab and straight left.
- High kick threatDangerous left high kick, often used to surprise opponents.
- Counter strikingExcellent at landing short, clean counters as opponents enter range.
- Clinch strikingEffective knees and short punches in close quarters.
- EfficiencyMinimal wasted motion, high accuracy.
Signature Trait:
Calculated southpaw striking that sets up grappling dominance — his stand-up is a strategic extension of his ground game.
Calculated southpaw striking that sets up grappling dominance — his stand-up is a strategic extension of his ground game.
WRESTLING
Wrestling & Grappling
Wrestling is the foundation of Makhachev’s dominance. Rooted in combat sambo, his grappling differs from traditional freestyle wrestling — he prefers clinch-based entries, trips, and positional control rather than explosive double-leg takedowns.
Once he secures control, he systematically breaks opponents down.
Once he secures control, he systematically breaks opponents down.
- 69%Takedown defenceaccording to Stats Fight app
- Clinch takedownsTrips, sweeps, and throws from close range.
- Chain transitionsSmoothly links takedowns with positional advancement.
- Top controlExceptional pressure and balance from dominant positions.
- Cage controlUses the fence to limit movement and secure takedowns.
- Energy efficiencyControls pace without overexertion.
Signature Trait:
Suffocating top control from sambo-based grappling — once grounded, opponents struggle to escape or reset.
Suffocating top control from sambo-based grappling — once grounded, opponents struggle to escape or reset.
BJJ
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Makhachev’s submission game is highly technical and deeply integrated into his positional control. While rooted in sambo, his BJJ is adapted for MMA, focusing on control-first transitions leading to high-percentage finishes.
He is constantly progressing position rather than holding static control.
He is constantly progressing position rather than holding static control.
- 0.27Sub per 15 minaccording to Stats Fight app
- Arm-triangle chokeOne of his primary submission weapons.
- Positional transitionsMoves fluidly between half guard, mount, and back control.
- Submission chainingLinks threats together to create openings.
- Top pressureBreaks opponents mentally and physically.
- Control-first philosophyPrioritizes dominance before finishing.
Signature Trait:
Control-to-submission progression — he systematically advances position until a high-percentage finish appears.
Control-to-submission progression — he systematically advances position until a high-percentage finish appears.
TECHNICAL PROFILE
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
Elite grappling control. One of the most dominant top-control fighters in MMA.
Fight IQ and discipline. Executes game plans with near-perfect efficiency.
Balanced skill set. Dangerous in striking, grappling, and submissions.
Energy management. Maintains control without wasting output.
Elite grappling control. One of the most dominant top-control fighters in MMA.
Fight IQ and discipline. Executes game plans with near-perfect efficiency.
Balanced skill set. Dangerous in striking, grappling, and submissions.
Energy management. Maintains control without wasting output.
Weaknesses
Lower finishing urgency. Control-heavy style can lead to longer fights.
Striking volume. Relatively low output compared to high-volume strikers.
Pressure from aggressive strikers. Fighters who force chaotic exchanges can create openings.
Dependence on control. Needs positional dominance to fully neutralize opponents.
Lower finishing urgency. Control-heavy style can lead to longer fights.
Striking volume. Relatively low output compared to high-volume strikers.
Pressure from aggressive strikers. Fighters who force chaotic exchanges can create openings.
Dependence on control. Needs positional dominance to fully neutralize opponents.
GAME PLAN
How to Prepare to Fight Oliveira
- Maintain distance and lateral movementAvoid clinch situations where his grappling is most dangerous.1
- Defend the fencePrevent being backed up and controlled against the cage.2
- Increase striking volumeForce him into extended stand-up exchanges.3
- Attack during transitionsMoments between takedown attempts are key opportunities.4
- Stay composed under pressurePanic leads to positional mistakes against his control-heavy style.5
Leave a request if you want an AI analysis of your future opponent?
As part of the analysis, we will provide a detailed analysis of the technical arsenal with video clips, and recommendations for the gameplan.
If you are an MMA fan, then just download the Stats Fight app and analyze the fighters in it before the UFC fights.
If you are an MMA fan, then just download the Stats Fight app and analyze the fighters in it before the UFC fights.
© 2026 BD-Sport Corp
App Functions
