Islam Makhachev: Inside the Mind of the UFC Lightweight Champion & Pound-for-Pound King

The video opens with a lighthearted moment where Islam Makhachev jokes about hitting Demetrious Johnson twice with a submission during training, calling it "submission of the year." This sets a friendly tone for the interview. Islam shares that his first martial art was combat sambo, a full-contact sport that includes striking and grappling, which he practiced extensively in Russia. He explains the difference between regular sambo and combat sambo, emphasizing the no-points, knockout-focused nature of combat sambo, which is very demanding physically.

"Regular Shambo without punching, combat [sambo]... you can give headbutt, headbutt, do punching... no points, you have to knock him out." 3:25
"Some days you can make seven fights in one day... it's a tournament." 4:17

Key points:

• Islam started with combat sambo, not judo as some might assume.
• Combat sambo is a brutal, no-points sport focused on knockouts.
• He competed in Russian championships 10 times starting at age 17.
• His athletic background is diverse, including wrestling, soccer, and taekwondo briefly.
• Unlike the U.S., sports in Dagestan are not school-based but gym-based, and fighters represent their gyms or republics.

Mighty calls Islam the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world, and Islam humbly agrees, explaining that to be the best, a fighter must be well-rounded and consistent. He highlights his ability to wrestle, grapple, and strike effectively. The interview touches on his recent fight with Dustin Poirier, where Islam executed a "little tornado" leg attack and finished with a slick D'Arce choke, which he calls his favorite submission.

"If you're best fighter in the world, you have to do everything... wrestling, grappling." 11:22
"That's my favorite choke... when I close my arm, I know it's going to be finished." 12:13

Key points:

• Islam believes being pound-for-pound best means mastering all aspects of MMA.
• His submission game is elite, with the D'Arce choke being a signature move.
• He emphasizes finishing fights rather than just winning.

Islam describes his recovery routine as simple: good sleep, clean eating, and occasional sauna sessions once a week. He does not rely on cold plunges or elaborate recovery methods, which surprises Mighty. Islam also talks about the intensity of his training camps, often doing multiple sessions per day, including strength and conditioning, fight-specific drills, and sparring.

"You have to rest, you have to sleep... just nothing special honestly." 14:00
"We do sauna once a week... massage and stretching after training." 14:19
"When Khabib is with us, we don't have many options, just hard work." 15:01

Key points:

• Recovery is mostly sleep and nutrition-focused.
• Training camps are intense with multiple daily sessions.
• Sauna and massage are used sparingly.
• Khabib Nurmagomedov’s coaching style is strict and no-nonsense.

Islam praises Khabib Nurmagomedov’s coaching, describing him as a demanding leader who commands respect and pushes fighters to their limits. Khabib’s presence ensures everyone stays focused and disciplined. Islam also explains that when back home in Dagestan, training is more relaxed and regular, without special camps.

"He came and said, 'Shut up, start training, nobody cares, come on!'" 15:56
"If you want to be champion, you have to follow the way the champs did." 16:27
"In Dagestan, we don't have special camps, just regular training." 16:52

Key points:

• Khabib’s coaching is intense and focused on discipline.
• Fighters listen and trust his experience.
• Training in Dagestan is more casual compared to fight camps abroad.

Islam trains daily without breaks, even when traveling or at home. He enjoys training and feels passionate about it, which keeps him motivated. He also discusses the importance of coming to the U.S. early before fights to acclimate to the time zone and climate, which helps with focus and recovery.

"Once a day I train all my life, doesn't matter where I fly." 17:00
"We like to come 45 days early if we have a fight in the U.S." 17:52
"In Vegas, I don't have many distractions, so I can focus on training." 18:23

Key points:

• Islam’s passion for training keeps him consistent.
• Early arrival in the U.S. is crucial for acclimation.
• Training in Vegas offers better facilities and fewer distractions than Dagestan or San Jose.

Islam reflects on his long road to the UFC lightweight title, noting it took a 10-fight win streak to earn the shot. He contrasts this with fighters like Michael Chandler, who got title shots quickly after joining the UFC. Islam attributes the delay partly to language barriers and lack of promotion early in his career.

"I have 10 fight win streak... I did everything, just give me the title chance." 23:54
"Before, I don't speak English, don't promote, nobody want to fight me." 24:11
"Some guys jump from Bellator and fight for the belt after one fight, it's crazy." 24:32

Key points:

• Islam’s path was long and hard-earned.
• Language and promotion affected his early UFC opportunities.
• He respects the hard work it took to get the title shot.

Islam explains why he prefers to take opponents down and control them on the ground, minimizing damage and increasing his chances of finishing the fight. He breaks down his fight with Dustin Poirier, highlighting his patience and ability to capitalize on openings.

"If you fight striker, it's hard to finish, but I take him down, pass guard, no damage." 25:28
"I bring boxing guys to train for striking, but I always improve my wrestling and grappling." 36:36

Key points:

• Ground control is a strategic choice to reduce damage.
• Islam adapts training to opponent’s strengths.
• He values being a complete MMA fighter.

Islam describes the close-knit nature of his team, calling them his second family. They train hard together, support each other, and share a deep bond forged through years of shared sacrifice and dedication.

"I spend more time with them than my family... this is my second family." 28:11
"We help each other because we know how hard everyone is working." 28:30

Key points:

• The team is tightly bonded beyond just training partners.
• Mutual respect and shared goals create a strong brotherhood.
• Training partners push each other to be better.

Islam emphasizes that mental readiness comes from hard training and exposure to diverse sparring partners. He believes that facing many different styles in camp prepares him for anything an opponent might bring.

"When you train hard and change sparring partners every two rounds, you are mentally ready." 30:58
"If you are lazy, your mind will start to doubt, but with Khabib, you are always ready." 32:02

Key points:

• Mental toughness is built through rigorous, varied training.
• Consistency in camp prevents doubts and fatigue.
• Khabib’s coaching enforces mental discipline.

Islam credits the high level of competition inside his gym for their success. With 70-80 professional fighters all pushing each other, the environment is highly competitive and demanding.

"We have 70-80 professional fighters, all want to beat each other." 33:38
"Competition inside the gym is very hard, that's why we are different." 33:51

Key points:

• Large, elite gym with many professional fighters.
• Constant internal competition drives improvement.
• Fighters must be smart to avoid injury but still push hard.

Islam previews his rematch with Arman Tsarukyan, noting that Tsarukyan has improved but Islam believes he is still superior in wrestling, striking, and grappling. He expects a tough fight but is confident.

"He improved a lot, but I have better wrestling, striking, and grappling." 42:00
"It's going to be a very good match for MMA fans." 42:34

Key points:

• Tsarukyan is a top contender and has grown since their first fight.
• Islam feels confident in all areas of the fight.
• The rematch is highly anticipated.

Islam discusses the challenges of fighting overseas, especially with time zone differences and climate changes. He explains the importance of fighting on the local time zone to maximize recovery. He also shares his weight management, noting he walks around 180 lbs and cuts to 155 for fights.

"Fighting on their time zone is important, not fighting at 5 a.m." 46:09
"I weigh 180 when not cutting, and I can easily get to 177 before cutting." 46:59

Key points:

• Time zone and climate affect fight performance.
• Early arrival helps acclimate.
• Islam maintains a solid weight year-round, making cuts manageable.

Islam recounts a minor incident with the Diaz brothers involving water bottles and gestures but emphasizes mutual respect. He met Nate Diaz in an elevator months later, and they exchanged respect.

"I met Diaz in the elevator, he said 'respect, respect'." 50:22
"People change when cameras come, but we are good people." 50:06

Key points:

• Minor tensions can arise but are often blown out of proportion.
• Respect between fighters remains intact.
• Media and cameras can distort interactions.

Islam talks about potential future fights, including the possibility of moving up to challenge Belal Muhammad for a second title. He expresses a desire to cement his legacy as a two-division champion.

"I want to be double champ, that's my dream." 52:15
"If I beat Tapuria or Belal, people will respect my legacy more." 52:54

Key points:

• Islam is open to moving up in weight class.
• Legacy and respect are important motivators.
• He is focused on defending his lightweight title first.

Islam shares a strong opinion that many UFC fighters who receive black belts in BJJ do not deserve them without proper competition and years of training. He stresses that black belts should be earned through hard work and competition, not just given.

"You have to train hours, compete in world championships to deserve black belt." 54:49
"You cannot be UFC champion and get black belt in one day." 54:36

Key points:

• Islam values authentic skill and competition in BJJ ranks.
• He criticizes the trend of awarding black belts too easily.
• His own black belt is backed by competition and achievement.

Islam plans to compete in sambo after his UFC career and wants to continue fighting as long as he can compete with younger fighters. He acknowledges the physical toll but feels he can still improve.

"After UFC, I want to compete in sambo." 1:32:34
"I will fight as long as I can compete with young guys." 58:02

Key points:

• Sambo remains a passion for Islam.
• Retirement is not imminent; he feels he still has more to give.
• He respects the challenge of younger fighters but is confident.

Islam names Frankie Edgar as one of his favorite fighters for his style and toughness. He also praises Demetrious Johnson and invites DJ to visit Dagestan, assuring him it is a safe and welcoming place.

"One of my favorite fighters is Frankie Edgar because I love his style." 1:00:41
"You will be safe in Dagestan, you can bring your family." 1:01:24

Key points:

• Islam admires fighters with well-rounded skills and heart.
• He warmly invites DJ to experience Dagestan’s culture and training.
• Dagestan is portrayed as a safe and proud MMA hotbed.

Mighty recaps the experience of training with Islam and Khabib’s team, highlighting the intensity, discipline, and brotherhood. He reflects on Islam’s complete skill set and the respect he commands. The video closes with a friendly reminder of Islam’s upcoming fight and a light moment about the training drills.

"Everybody works hard but to see Islam in the flesh doing the work is amazing." 1:06:31
"Khabib says 'shut up and train' and everyone listens." 1:06:38
"Islam is the best pound-for-pound fighter because he can do everything." 1:07:12

Key points:

• Training with Islam and his team is a unique, intense experience.
• Islam’s skill and work ethic set him apart.
• The camaraderie and respect in the camp are palpable.

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This detailed breakdown captures the full scope of the interview, from Islam Makhachev’s origins in combat sambo to his current status as the UFC lightweight champion and pound-for-pound king. The conversation reveals his training philosophy, mental toughness, team dynamics, and vision for the future, all while maintaining the personal and candid tone of the original video.