What Happened to the Fighter Who Beat Islam Makhachev?MMAnytt.com

The Early Days of Islam Makhachev

When Islam Makhachev joined the UFC in 2015, he was seen as a promising talent, much like his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov. Makhachev arrived with an undefeated record of 11-0 and showcased his skills by submitting Leo Kuntz in his debut at UFC 187 . Known for his Dagestani wrestling prowess, honed at the American Kickboxing Academy under coach Javier Mendez, Makhachev was expected to rise swiftly through the ranks .

The Shocking Loss to Adriano Martins

In his second UFC fight, Makhachev faced Adriano Martins at UFC 192. Contrary to expectations, Martins landed a decisive punch, knocking out Makhachev in the first round. This loss was Makhachev’s first and only professional defeat to date .

Adriano Martins’ Career Post-Makhachev

After his stunning victory over Makhachev, Martins’ career took an unexpected downturn. He lost his next fight against Leonardo Santos via split decision at UFC 204 and continued to struggle, suffering defeats against Kajan Johnson and Alexander Shabliy. Following his release from the UFC, Martins faced additional setbacks, including a no contest due to an eye poke and multiple losses in other promotions .

It wasn’t until March 2024, nearly nine years after his win over Makhachev, that Martins tasted victory again, defeating Donovan Desmae at a Kongs FC event. His current record stands at 29-12, and his future fight plans remain uncertain .

Makhachev’s Road to Redemption

Makhachev bounced back from his defeat with a renewed focus. He secured a dominant victory over Chris Wade and went on to defeat notable fighters such as Gleison Tibau, Kajan Johnson, and Arman Tsarukyan. These wins were part of an impressive 13-fight win streak that eventually led to his title shot .

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Achieving UFC Gold

Islam Makhachev’s hard work culminated in a title fight against Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. Makhachev displayed a masterful performance, submitting Oliveira in the second round to become the UFC Lightweight Champion . He then defended his title against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284, winning by unanimous decision in a bout praised for its competitive nature .

Conclusion

While Adriano Martins’ victory over Islam Makhachev remains a highlight of his career, Makhachev’s relentless pursuit of excellence and eventual rise to become UFC Lightweight Champion is a testament to his resilience and skill. Martins’ story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of MMA, where a single victory or loss can significantly alter a fighter’s career trajectory.

Sources: UFC.com, Wikipedia, UFC Espanol