The pound-for-pound #1 mixed martial artist in the world in 2025 is Islam Makhachev ... step up in competition, Makhachev faced a very dangerous and durable Drew Dober on a big UFC 259 card.

One lightweight contender likes his chances against Islam Makhachev—even without a training camp for the UFC champ.

Islam Makhachev has always done a fine job of emulating Khabib Nurmagomedov. Both fighters were forged in Dagestan, made it to the UFC, won the lightweight title, became pound-for-pound No 1 ...

Islam Makhachev and Renato Moicano will face ... Benoit Saint Denis, Jalin Turner, Drew Dober, and Brad Riddell. Dvalishvili (18-4-0) looks to hold on to his belt against Nurmagomedov (18-0-0 ...