At UFC 311, Islam Makhachev and Merab Dvalishvili successfully defended their titles, sparking discussions about their legacies and potential future matchups in the sport.
UFC 311 is over, and the champions? Still standing strong.
On Saturday, Islam Makhachev and Merab Dvalishvili held onto their titles. They defeated Renato Moicano and Umar Nurmagomedov. Makhachev wowed with another stellar performance against a last-minute opponent. Meanwhile, Dvalishvili showcased what makes him exceptional, silencing critics.
After such impressive displays, it’s time to delve into both fighters’ legacies in MMA.
Islam Makhachev
With Islam & 155 are we at the point of semantics with his all-time placing? Khabib is better (we think) as a fighter, but Islam is now greater by virtue of accomplishment. Islam’s 1 loss outweighed by the extra title defence sort of thing. Also, if not Arman, who next?
— Dee J (@Daniel_J81)
“With Islam and 155, are we at the point of semantics with his all-time placing? Khabib is better (we think) as a fighter, but Islam is now greater by virtue of accomplishment. Islam’s 1 loss outweighed by the extra title defense sort of thing. Also, if not Arman, who next?”
There’s much to dissect about Islam post-victory. Starting with the claim that Khabib Nurmagomedov surpasses Islam in skill—I disagree. Sure, Khabib was superior when they trained together. But that was pre-prime Islam versus peak Khabib.
Peak for peak? That’s debatable. Khabib had raw power and explosiveness, yet Islam possesses technical finesse and a broader skill set. If forced to choose, I’d argue Islam might be the better fighter.
However, in terms of accomplishments? Khabib takes the crown for now. His undefeated streak is remarkable, coupled with dominant victories over three champions during his reign.
Makhachev’s defenses don’t quite match up: two against a featherweight on short notice and a past-prime great whom Khabib defeated more decisively. It’s not Makhachev’s fault but still… not quite the same caliber.
Narrative-wise, “greatness” involves more than just wins. The one loss matters; being second fiddle to Khabib matters; Khabib leading Dagestan’s charge matters—all tilting the GOAT argument toward Khabib.
But that could change! Setting records for lightweight title defenses could push Islam past B.J. Penn into No. 2 territory—and maybe even beyond if he racks up more wins.
Who’s next for him? Charles Oliveira seems likely—he’s No. 2 and coming off a win. Plus, he was due a rematch before circumstances changed things around.
Picking Nits
“When Makhachev gets nuked by a relevant lightweight, how angry will people be looking back on his title reign?”
Critiquing title reigns is fair game—but let’s be reasonable! Makhachev hasn’t been fighting nobodies; he has wins over five current top-10 lightweights plus two victories over Alexander Volkanovski.
Yes, circumstances aren’t ideal but these are relevant opponents! His career coincides with an era where his division’s top tier comprises many familiar names—just like Jon Jones experienced once upon a time!
Besides… who exactly would “nuke” him? Renato Moicano barely lasted longer than you or I would have!
Merab Dvalishvili
“What did experts get wrong about Umar vs Merab wrong?”
It’s me—the “experts.” I picked Umar over Merab—and boy was I mistaken!
I can’t vouch for other experts but here are my two missteps: one anticipated; another unexpected entirely.
Merab’s legacy
Not talking GOAT—but is Merab best bantamweight ever? TJ had flawless performances but feel Merab beats every other all-time BW head-to-head…
“Not talking GOAT—but is Merab best bantamweight ever? TJ had flawless performances but feel Merab beats every other all-time BW head-to-head…”
This question stumps me since I’m not fond of Merab’s style—it works wonders but isn’t my cup o’ tea.
So bear my bias when saying T.J Dillashaw remains top bantamweight IMHO—at peak strength Dillashaw ranked among pound-for-pound elite fighters globally!
Yet perhaps…just maybe…Merab might pull off similar feats given chance?
Champ champ
How would fight between Pantoja n’ Merab play out?
“How would fight between Pantoja n’ Merab play out?”
Same as always: Dvalishvili wins via unanimous decision!
Fight of Night?
Was Umar vs Merab really FOTN? Wasn’t Jiri vs Hill better?
“Was Umar vs Merab really FOTN? Wasn’t Jiri vs Hill better?”
Nope—not really FOTN material despite high-level intrigue n’ surprise upset factor involved…
Thanks for reading folks! Got burning questions related (or unrelated) combat sports-wise!? Tweet me @JedKMeshew anytime!