Islam Makhachev has openly voiced concerns about the UFC’s increasing emphasis on entertainment value over technical merit when deciding which fighters remain on their roster. This trend particularly affects practitioners who rely heavily on grappling techniques. Despite posting solid winning records, fighters such as Rinat Fakhretdinov and Martin Buday have been cut, indicating that consistent victories alone no longer guarantee job security unless the bouts deliver high excitement levels.
Although the style championed by Makhachev and Usman Nurmagomedov—rooted in dominant top control and grappling mastery developed post-Khabib Nurmagomedov—remains effective, it appears the UFC’s management is penalizing this approach. In a conversation shared via Ushatayka and posted on the Twitter account @acdmma_, Makhachev expressed his frustration, saying,
“I already tell the guys, you’ve got to go out there and scrap. Those Dagestani fighters that just show up, dominate everyone, don’t speak English, don’t sell the fight, don’t hype anything up; I think that type of fighter isn’t interesting for the UFC anymore.” ?Islam Makhachev, UFC Fighter
“What they want is basically a street fight type of vibe, someone who just comes out and throws down. Some dudes lose 6 or 7 fights but they keep getting fights because they go out there and scrap every time, win or lose. I won’t name names, but one of the UFC execs told me that they’ve got guys like that.” ?Islam Makhachev, UFC Fighter
Impact of UFC’s Preference for Action-Packed Fights on Fighter Style
Makhachev’s comments underscore a shift within the UFC to prioritize fighters who deliver intense, high-action performances over those who implement methodical, grappling-heavy tactics. Fighters with dominant wrestling and control skills who do not generate dramatic exchanges or compelling narratives are reportedly less attractive to the organization. This dynamic highlights a disconnect between athletic dominance and entertainment value, making it difficult for technically skilled competitors to secure long-term contracts.
Response to Ian Machado Garry Training in the Caucasus Mountains
Amid rumors that welterweight contender Ian Machado Garry is training in Georgia’s Caucasus region to prepare for a potential title fight against Makhachev, the Dagestani champion remains unfazed. Recognizing Garry’s approach, Makhachev downplayed the significance of this training camp, emphasizing his lifelong wrestling background compared to Garry’s relatively short experience. Speaking via MMA Junkie, Makhachev commented,
“In Georgia, he’ll probably improve in some areas. I’ve been wrestling my whole life, not just two-three months, so I don’t care about that anymore. Throughout my recent fights, someone brings someone into their camps. They bring in some wrestlers or whatever. [Charles] Oliveira brought in some guy from the Iranian national team. Zero effect, so don’t waste your time.” ?Islam Makhachev, UFC Fighter
This statement highlights Makhachev’s confidence in his established skill set and skepticism regarding last-minute camp changes or training partners attempting to level the playing field.
Broader Implications for Fighters and UFC’s Future Direction
Makhachev’s candid remarks bring attention to tensions within the UFC ecosystem between athletic excellence and marketability. For grapplers and fighters focusing on control and strategy rather than knockouts or striking shows, the path forward may be increasingly challenging as promotional priorities evolve. This shift could encourage more athletes to alter their fighting styles to capture audience interest or face roster instability despite competitive success.
As the UFC continues to shape its roster around marketability and audience appeal, fighters like Islam Makhachev stand as examples of grappling artistry amid a changing environment that favors fiercer exchanges and crowd-pleasing battles. How these trends develop will likely influence training, fight strategies, and matchmaking decisions in the years ahead.
