The spirit of the two current fighters, Islam Makhachev, revealed the weakness that caused him difficulty before the match.

In a revelation stirring the UFC community, lightweight contender Grant Dawson has pinpointed Islam Makhachev’s biggest vulnerability—and it’s not inside the octagon. In a candid interview, Dawson emphasized that the reigning champion’s weight cut struggles could be his Achilles’ heel, raising eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.

Weight-Cutting Woes: A Potential Weakness

Dawson shed light on Makhachev’s drastic weight cuts, suggesting the 155-lb limit poses a significant challenge. Known to walk around at 190 lbs outside of camp, Makhachev undergoes grueling preparations to hit the lightweight mark. According to Dawson, “He cuts too much weight, and I don’t think he does it the proper way.”

The process of draining himself to reach the lightweight division limit could significantly impact his stamina and performance on fight night. Weight cuts, while common in MMA, have proven to be a double-edged sword. Fighters often lose not just weight but also strength and endurance during the intense dehydration phase. Dawson believes this could be the key to unraveling the champ’s dominance.

With Makhachev preparing for his fourth title defense at UFC 311, the question looms large: Will the toll of repeated extreme weight cuts finally catch up to him? As he edges closer to breaking records, his physical resilience might face its biggest test yet.

Dawson’s Strategy: Staying Off the Cage

Grant Dawson also rated his chances against Makhachev, outlining a detailed strategy to counter the champion’s signature fighting style. One of Makhachev’s most feared tactics is his ability to dominate opponents against the cage, utilizing a mix of pressure and elite grappling.

Dawson’s solution? Staying mobile and wrestling first. “The biggest thing is staying off the cage and being able to wrestle with him first,” Dawson explained. He believes that if he can secure a takedown, the dynamic would shift entirely in his favor. “If I can secure a takedown, he’s not getting back up.”

This confidence isn’t misplaced. Dawson has proven himself as a formidable lightweight, and his insights into Makhachev’s potential weak points only add intrigue to the future of the division.

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Tough Love for Makhachev

While the likes of Dawson analyze and prepare for opportunities against Makhachev, the champion himself continues to train under the unrelenting eye of Khabib Nurmagomedov. Known for his legendary work ethic, Khabib demands nothing short of perfection from his protégé.

In a recent Instagram post, a bruised and tired Makhachev asked Khabib to rate his week of training. Khabib, ever the perfectionist, rated it a “four out of five.” When Makhachev pressed for more details, Khabib bluntly noted that it was barely a four because the champ had taken an extra night of rest. “We only rest on Sundays and Saturday evenings—that’s it,” Khabib declared.

DC’s Attempt to Control Khabib

Despite the intense demands, Makhachev has managed to maintain a sense of humor. In a lighthearted moment, he jokingly asked Daniel Cormier to step in and “control Khabib” from pushing him too hard. While DC agreed to help, he admitted with a laugh, “Nobody can control Khabib.”

Even with the relentless pressure, Makhachev’s focus remains unshaken. He knows the stakes are high as he faces Arman Tsarukyan on January 18 at UFC 311. A victory would cement his status as a dominant lightweight champion, inching him closer to surpassing Khabib’s legacy.