ABU DHABI – Islam Makhachev has long surrounded himself with legendary counterparts. Now a champion in his own right, he has a specific legacy in mind.
The next in a long lineage of UFC title holders from American Kickboxing Academy, Makhachev (23-1 MMA, 12-1 UFC) differs from the rest of the pack.
Khabib Nurmagomedov retired at 29-0. Daniel Cormier won two UFC titles and held them simultaneously prior to his retirement. So what’s Makhachev’s long-term goal now that he’s captured a title? How does he upgrade his status from champion to legend?
