Islam Makhachev holds the No. 1 spot in the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings — and with good reason. His most recent win, at UFC 311 over Renato Moicano, made him the all-time leader in lightweight title defenses.
But even as the 33-year-old continues to dominate, one controversial fighter made a bold claim that didn’t sit well with fans.
Controversial MMA Fighter Criticized by Fight Fans for Comments About Islam Makhachev
After UFC 315, talk heated up about a possible welterweight title fight between Makhachev and newly crowned champion Jack Della Maddalena. Makhachev, eyeing champ-champ status, was praised by ESPN MMA’s Instagram page for his dominance at lightweight.
“Reminder that Islam Makhachev has finished his last eight opponents and his 10 UFC finishes is tied for 4th most all time. He’s only 33 and building one of the most impressive resumes in UFC history,” the post read.
Former Bellator fighter Dillon Danis was unimpressed. He dropped into the comments to write, “Would never finish me,” sparking plenty of backlash from fans.
“He could beat 10 Dillon Danises. L rage bait,” one user replied.
“You’d be done in like 3 strokes,” another fan added.
Someone asked Danis, “Do you truly believe yourself or just like to act a fool?”
“With two eyes!!! He can do it with one,” a fan joked.
One fan offered advice: “Bro just stop talking at this point.”
Danis and Makhachev already share some history. Makhachev was in Khabib Nurmagomedov’s corner when “The Eagle” leapt from the cage to confront Danis after beating Conor McGregor at UFC 229.
Who Ranks Above Islam Makhachev for UFC Lightweight Finishes?
With his UFC 311 win over Moicano, Makhachev notched his 10th finish at lightweight. That ties him for fourth all time with Dustin Poirier, Tony Ferguson, Drew Dober, and Donald Cerrone. Jim Miller leads the list with 17, followed by Charles Oliveira with 14.
Joe Lauzon holds third with 13 finishes. Makhachev could’ve ranked fourth outright with 11, but his TKO win over Bobby Green came at a 160-pound catchweight. That bout was scheduled after Beneil Dariush withdrew, and Green stepped in on short notice.
Makhachev also ranks third all-time in lightweight submission wins. Before UFC 311, he was tied for fourth with Nate Diaz and Lauzon at seven submissions. Now, only Oliveira (10) and Miller (11) sit ahead of him.
Makhachev continues to make history inside the cage, while critics like Danis stir things up outside of it. With title defenses stacking up, Makhachev’s run might just be one of the greatest the UFC has ever seen.