Olympic Wrestling Legend Promises to Dominate Islam Makhachev in Potential Matchup

Islam Makhachev is one of the UFC’s best wrestlers, with his grappling rooted in Dagestani wrestling and combat sambo. That prowess was on full display at UFC 330, where he defeated Ian Garry to retain his welterweight title. The victory also extended his UFC winning streak to 17 fights, the longest in UFC history.

Jordan Burroughs is a six-time world champion and 2012 Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling. He also won two NCAA Division I titles for Nebraska and claimed the 2011 Dan Hodge Trophy. Burroughs became one of America’s most accomplished wrestlers through sustained success at collegiate and international levels.

Burroughs recently returned to wrestling at RAF 12 after a two-year absence. He dominated UFC welterweight contender Sean Brady, winning 11-0 by technical fall. The performance led him to revisit a potential wrestling bout against Makhachev. Burroughs believes freestyle rules would expose Makhachev.

I watched Islam fight Machado Garry, and I watched Garry sit corner on a couple of the high crotch and single leg attempts that he had. Garry is not a great wrestler… If Islam gets on my leg that way, I’m gonna send him for a ride. I think it’ll be a lot of fun. Wrestling and MMA wrestling, they’re completely different… Now, I respect the game, this is why I’m not fighting.

Jordan Burroughs via The Ariel Helwani Show

Jordan Burroughs responds to Islam Makhachev’s confidence about a potential wrestling matchup:

"I watched Islam fight Machado Garry, and I watched Garry sit corner on a couple of the high crotch and single leg attempts that he had.

Garry is not a great wrestler… If Islam gets… pic.twitter.com/jxIdwKgbim

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) August 24, 2026

Makhachev and Burroughs have been linked before, with the UFC champion previously calling out the wrestling legend. Makhachev discussed facing Burroughs in a wrestling matchup during a conversation with Daniel Cormier. Their potential matchup has since remained a point of interest among wrestling and MMA circles.

Interestingly, Burroughs has also had a previous beef with Khabib Nurmagomedov over their wrestling backgrounds. The disagreement began after ‘The Eagle’ questioned aspects of Burroughs’ wrestling credentials and abilities. Burroughs later explained the origins of their beef, making his history with the Nurmagomedov camp notable.

UFC middleweight contender Bo Nickal has also weighed in on a potential wrestling matchup between Makhachev and Burroughs. Nickal believed Makhachev would face major problems against elite Olympic-level wrestlers. He maintained that stance despite his later public dispute with Burroughs and their disagreement.

Islam Makhachev is not the only UFC star attracting challenges from elite Olympic wrestlers. Kyle Snyder has called out former UFC champion Khamzat Chimaev for a potential RAF matchup. Jordan Burroughs has now added the UFC welterweight champion to that list, creating another major wrestling crossover possibility.

Islam Makhachev believes he still has a lot to accomplish in the UFC welterweight division

Islam Makhachev made a major statement at UFC 330 by defeating Ian Garry in the main event. The victory allowed him to retain his welterweight title and make history across two divisions. Makhachev became the fifth fighter to defend a UFC title in a second division. He also extended his UFC winning streak to 17 fights.

However, Makhachev still has a young and hungry welterweight division waiting for a title opportunity. At UFC 330, Carlos Prates and Michael Morales were seen debating who should receive the next title shot. Both contenders have positioned themselves for a potential matchup with the champion.

At 34, Makhachev has already started looking beyond his latest title defense and toward his future at welterweight. The Dagestani star also believes Prates would be the best choice for his second title defense. Makhachev has now revealed that he expects at least three more difficult and exciting fights ahead.

There are fighters out there, not exactly breathing down my neck, but there are those that already have 10 wins [in a row]. I don’t know, maybe the title fights record? Though the record for title fights is quite large. I fought 10 bouts before getting the title, while the record holder fought for the title in his third or fourth fight. So I don’t know what records will come next, but in my weight class I have some very good title contenders. I think I have at least three more spectacular and very tough fights for me.

Islam Makhachev via Ushatayka

Islam Makhachev says he believes he has at least three more “very hard and exciting fights” left in his career, while admitting he isn’t sure which records he can still chase after breaking one that once seemed unbreakable.

“Well, no record is unbreakable. There are fighters out… pic.twitter.com/LUHlfUcnPv

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) August 25, 2026

Joe Rogan previously believed Makhachev could retire after UFC 330 following his victory over Ian Garry. However, Islam Makhachev has revealed plans for at least three more challenging fights. The champion remains focused on cementing his legacy, with his achievements already placing him firmly in GOAT discussions.

Also Read:

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• Bo Nickal Still Backed to Defeat Khamzat Chimaev Despite RAF Loss to 2026 NCAA Wrestling Champion