Islam Makhachev Reveals What Impact ‘Fear of Losing’ Has on His Decorated UFC Career

Islam Makhachev spoke about the importance of preparation and admits to use of fear of facing defeat inside the octagon as motivation.

Islam Makhachev Reveals What Impact ‘Fear of Losing’ Has on His Decorated UFC Career

Islam Makhachev (via X)

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev always talk about what’s on his mind openly without any sort of censoring. As such, over the years, he has created some meme-worthy moments for the MMA community. This time, he openly talked about a topic that many Dagestani fighters wouldn’t talk about.

The UFC double champion’s 16-fight winning streak is tied with Anderson Silva’s record at the moment. One more win will create history and help him enter GOAT debate as well. Before that, he needs to defeat Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330.

Ahead of the title defense, Makhachev appeared on the Game Set Padel Podcast. During the podcast appearance, the welterweight champion openly talked about fear of losing and what keeps him motivated to continue despite achieving everything in the sport.

At first, my dream was to become UFC champion. Then I wanted the most lightweight title defenses. After that, I wanted to become a double champion. Now I’m a double champion with a 16-17 fight win streak, tied with Anderson Silva. Maybe breaking that record is what motivates me now. But what really motivates me is knowing if I step into the cage unprepared, someone’s going to smash my face. That’s why I have to stay focused and keep training hard.

Islam Makhachev told Game Set Padel Podcast

It is known to everyone that Khabib Nurmagomedov does not conduct easy training camp for Dagestani fighters. Makhachev has hilariously complained about the training intensity many times previously on social media.

The preparation underwent by the welterweight champion is definitely the reason for his winning streak. He has overcome the likes of Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski, and Dustin Poirier to create a legacy in the lightweight division before moving up.

No one has come remotely close to the 16-fight winning streak of Anderson Silva for a while. Kamaru Usman had a 15-fight winning streak that was snapped at the hands of Leon Edwards at UFC 278.

Makhachev dominated Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 to tie that record. All that stands in his way is Ian Garry, who is 10-1 in the UFC. The Irish star has vowed to overcome all the odds and defeat the welterweight champion at UFC 330.

If the Dagestani fighter can achieve a couple of title defenses, then he could enter the GOAT conversations. This is because no other fighter in recent times has achieved what Makhachev has achieved, having lost just once in his career.

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Overall skillset of Islam Makhachev praised ahead of Ian Garry Showdown

What sets Islam Makhahcev apart from Khabib Nurmagomedov is his all-round skillset. Nurmagomedov utilized his wrestling better than everyone to dominate his opponents. Meanwhile, Makhachev has showcased improvements in all areas of MMA throughout his career.

Islam Makhachev expected to defeat Ian Garry
Islam Makhachev expected to defeat Ian Garry (via Instagram)

The duo trained under Javier Mendez of American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, California to improve their striking skill. The years of training has benefitted Makhachev to the extent that he was trading punches comfortably against the likes of Volkanovski, Oliveira and Poirier.

As such, Mendez recently predicted that the well-rounded skill set of the Dagestani fighter will be too much for Garry to overcome at UFC 330.

He’s got Islam Makhachev on the other side… who happens to be the guy who can take him down. I know Islam can stand with Ian, but can Ian last on the ground with us. One thing is for sure, it doesn’t matter because Islam prepares for everything. He’s well rounded, everything… We don’t go in there fighting Ian a certain way. We can change how we feel because Islam is that good.

Javier Mendez told Submission Radio

The Irish star remains unfazed about the title fight despite all the predictions and warnings coming from Makhachev and the opposing camp.

Garry is not only eyeing the welterweight title, he wants the pound-for-pound No. 1 status as well. It remains to be seen what will happen at UFC 330 when Makhachev and Garry attempts to make history.

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