Islam Makhachev Reveals Real Reason for Non-American Dominance in UFC

Former UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev gets honest about the lack of American champions in the UFC.

Islam Makhachev Reveals Real Reason for Non-American Dominance in UFC

Islam Makhachev analyses non-American dominance in the UFC (via Al Jazeera)

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The UFC has seen fighters from all around the world who have risen to superstar status and made a name for themselves in the MMA community. However, the last decade has seen a sudden flow of talented fighters from the Caucasus region gaining massive success in the UFC. With that, former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev had some interesting thoughts regarding the Caucasian dominance.

Makhachev is one of the best examples of this theory, with a 15-fight win streak. The former champion cemented himself in lightweight history after holding the title for almost 2 years before vacating it. He recently spoke about the decline of American champions in the UFC in recent years. He believed that the UFC would see more champions from the Caucasus region if it continued signing fighters from the area.

They just started signing more of our guys. That’s the reason. Our guys live for this sport. In the USA, for example, they don’t worry even if they competed bad. No Brainer, our guys live for this sport. Behind our guys, there is a family, the whole city, the whole Republic. And he feels this responsibility, and goes out with full responsibility, and wins.

Islam Makhachev said

Makhachev believed that the American dominance in the UFC has been weathered down due to Caucasian influence. He believed that American fighters do not have the level of discipline and importance for the sport. Whereas, Caucasian fighters devote their life and spirit to the sport.

There is a significant difference in the mindset and training between the two regions. There is no doubt that Dagestani training methods are very popular in the UFC due to the durability and skill set they develop in a fighter. However, their training also involves teamwork and bonding, which creates a bond of brotherhood between teammates.

The most prominent trailblazer of this movement was Khabib Nurmagomedov, the undefeated Dagestani lightweight champion, whose smothering wrestling and tactical brilliance transformed him into one of the sport’s most dominant champions. His success had opened the door for a wave of fighters from the Caucasus, including Makhachev and middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev.

In the modern UFC landscape, the Octagon no longer belongs solely to American fighters as it has become a global battleground. However, fighters from the Caucasus region have proven to be one of its most powerful and dominant impacts.

Islam Makhachev talks about the importance of learning English for fighters

There is no doubt that Islam Makhachev has had an impressive career in the UFC. Holding only one loss and 27 wins in his professional career, the Dagestani protege was able to capture the title after defeating Charles Oliveira in his prime. However, since then, Makhachev has become a prominent name in the UFC and has also seen success outside the Octagon.

Inside the Octagon, fighting ability was always the most important factor. A fighter could climb the rankings and even capture championships through skill alone. But to truly cross into stardom in the UFC, English has proven to be an invaluable tool. In a promotion driven by global media, fan engagement, and promotional storytelling, it is of paramount importance for a fighter to know the universal language.

Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev (via talkSport)

Makhachev recently spoke out on the importance of foreign fighters learning English. He believed that fighters have the talent to win championships; however, they need to understand the language of the global audience to connect with them. He also revealed that this will make them more marketable and profitable.

That’s why I’m explaining, guys, learn English and how to promote your fights. That’s an important thing; we have to sell live events and be interesting to the public.

Islam Makhachev said

English has become the bridge between elite fighters and global audiences, transforming champions into mainstream icons. For Caucasian fighters, mastering English may be the next step in not only dethroning American dominance inside the cage but also surpassing it outside of it by capturing the commercial spotlight that turns champions into legends.

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