⁩Islam Makhachev Wants To Explore Anthony Joshua’s Potential in Mixed Martial Arts

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev talks about Anthony Joshua's wrestling potential and future in MMA.

⁩Islam Makhachev Wants To Explore Anthony Joshua’s Potential in Mixed Martial Arts

Islam Makhachev believes Anthony Joshua should learn wrestling (via X)

In Short
  • Islam Makhachev believes Anthony Joshua could excel in MMA if he improves his wrestling skills.
  • Joshua recently recovered from a serious car accident that claimed the lives of two friends.
  • Makhachev is focused on competing at a historic White House UFC event scheduled for June.

Islam Makhachev is widely regarded as one of the most complete fighters on the current UFC roster. In his last outing, he defeated Jack Della Maddalena to capture a second championship belt through dominant wrestling control. The pound-for-pound king believes wrestling provides the strongest foundation for success inside modern MMA.

Recently, Makhachev attempted to explain his philosophy to heavyweight boxing superstar Anthony Joshua during an insightful conversation. The former heavyweight champion recently met Makhachev and his team in Dubai shared a brief moment together. In a recent interview, Makhachev explained what happened during their meeting in detail.

Anthony Joshua told me he wants to make T-shirts, and I said okay, I’ll give you approval – you can make T-shirts. And also, you have to come to Dagestan to improve your wrestling. This guy is huge, very good striking. If this big guy improves his wrestling can you imagine how good he’s gonna be in MMA?

Islam Makhachev via ArenaFightTV

Anthony Joshua was recently involved in a terrifying near-death experience following a serious accident in Nigeria. Tragically, two of his closest friends lost their lives in the devastating car crash on the highway. The shocking incident forced the former heavyweight champion out of the public limelight for several weeks as he recovered privately.

Fans grew concerned as updates remained scarce, fearing the worst about the British boxing superstar. Thankfully, Joshua has now resurfaced, reassuring supporters that he is healing and steadily doing much better than before physically. Before the accident, AJ competed against Jake Paul on Netflix, winning by knockout and earning over $90 million.

Anthony Joshua has already stepped into crossover territory by facing former MMA heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou inside the boxing ring. Despite sharing the spotlight with a former UFC powerhouse, Joshua has never publicly expressed intentions to compete in MMA. However, if Joshua ever considers transitioning, learning wrestling would be absolutely essential for survival inside the cage.

Training under Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov would undoubtedly provide him with an elite grappling foundation. Their Dagestani wrestling pedigree could transform Joshua’s defensive abilities and prepare him properly for MMA competition.

Islam Makhachev doubles down on his interest in fighting at the White House event 

Islam Makhachev captured the welterweight title months ago, and fans eagerly await his highly anticipated return to action. Top contenders like Ian Garry and Michael Morales have publicly called out the dominant Dagestani champion for title opportunities. Despite multiple challengers lining up, Makhachev appears more interested in competing at the historic White House event scheduled for June.

UFC pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev
UFC pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev (via X)

The proposed card is being promoted as potentially the biggest fight event in UFC history. CEO Dana White has expressed tremendous excitement, promising an unforgettable spectacle for fans worldwide this summer. During the recent interview, Makhachev explained he wants to headline history and represent his legacy on that monumental stage.

I tell the UFC, I will be ready soon. I want to be in the White House because it will be once and only, and I want to be in history

Islam Makhachev continued.

Islam Makhachev previously struggled at lightweight as the intense weight-cutting process proved extremely taxing on his body. The Dagestani star often endured grueling camps and harsh dehydration before championship bouts. Now competing at welterweight, Makhachev says he feels significantly stronger, healthier, and far more comfortable.

According to the champion, he remains ready to fight anytime, potentially scheduling his return shortly after Ramadan. Makhachev has also expressed a clear interest in facing former welterweight king Kamaru Usman, given their massive popularity. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen what the UFC leadership ultimately decides regarding his placement on the blockbuster card.

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