Islam Makhachev ready to take lightweight torch from Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 259

LAS VEGAS – Islam Makhachev intends to take over the lightweight division in the absence of Khabib Nurmagomedov, and it starts at UFC 259.

Makhachev (18-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC) returns to competition Saturday for the first time since September 2019 when he meets Drew Dober (23-9 MMA, 10-4 UFC) on the main card of the loaded event. The Dagestani fighter has spent much of his career in his teammate and mentor Nurmagomedov’s shadow, but now that “The Eagle” is seemingly retired, it’s a new era.

“I think after this fight, if I finish Drew, everything is going to change,” Makhachev told reporters, including MMA Junkie, on Wednesday at UFC 259 media day. “It’s going to be a seven-fight win streak and not a lot of people have a win streak like this. The next one will maybe be top five, top 10, and I’m going to show my skills.”

Although Makhachev has been out of action for a long time, he intends to return with force. Dober has put together some nice wins of late to position himself for this bout, which was originally scheduled back in 2016 but fell apart on weigh-in day.

Both men have come a long way since then, but Makhachev still thinks he has the dominant style in the matchup.

“He’s tough,” Makhachev said. “He’s not in the rankings. I think he’s No. 16. I know he’s good because I was supposed to fight with him in 2016. He has good striking, good conditioning, but I think I have more than him. … Honestly I think this is easy road. I take him down, control. I think his wrestling is not so good.”

If Makhachev gets his hand raised, he would have the second longest active UFC winning streak at 155 pounds behind only Charles Oliveira. He thinks that should put him position for a prominent matchup and said he likes the idea of fighting former UFC champ Rafael dos Anjos, whom he was twice booked against in 2020 before health issues scratched it.

“Maybe RDA (is next) because he was supposed to be my last opponent and we cancel the fight two times,” Makhachev said. “Maybe who is free there. Maybe Tony (Ferguson). Honestly, it doesn’t matter. But if it’s somebody from top five, I will be happy.

“I jut need a couple more fights (for the title shot). That’s it. Now I feel I’m ready for everybody because all my life I’m training as champion. Nobody gives me problem from top 10.”

UFC 259 takes place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The main card streams on ESPN+ pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.