Islam Makhachev shocks the web with an unusual finish during training; watch the video

Islam makhachev He is UFC champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/@islam_makhachev

Even though he is a black belt in judo and a world champion in combat sambo, Islam makhachev continues to find ways to hone his grappling skills, even in unorthodox ways. In a video published last Monday (17), the current lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg.) and leader of the UFC pound-for-pound ranking appears finishing a training partner with a rare choke, to say the least.

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In the video, the Russian appears to be dominating his training partner's back and instead of going for the traditional rear naked choke or even a transition to an armbar, he prefers to suffocate his partner by placing his hand in a cup shape over his 'opponent's' mouth and nose.

looks like Islam makhachev has found out that this guy has a connection with Ilia Topuria #UFC pic.twitter.com/ZIPnAzOifg

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) March 17, 2025

Throughout the video, the friendly tone of the training session is noticeable. Both Makhachev and the people filming smile and laugh throughout the sequence. This is not the first time the Russian has been seen practicing the move, which appears to be a joke between team members.

Despite not having a degree in jiu-jitsu, Makhachev is a ground specialist. In addition to having 13 submission victories throughout his professional career, he also has an interesting variety in his triumphs via grapple in the Ultimate. In total, he defeated opponents with five different techniques: armbar, rear naked choke, katagatame, kimura and hand triangle, such as against Renato Moicano.

I. Makhachev defeated R. Moicano in the UFC 311. Photo: Reproduction/X

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Makhachev's training partner trained with Ilia Topuria

looks like Islam makhachev has found out that this guy has a connection with Ilia Topuria #UFC pic.twitter.com/ZIPnAzOifg

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) March 17, 2025

Coincidentally or not, the young man who appears training with Makhachev used to train with Ilia Topuria. The young man, named Gonzalo, is a Spaniard who decided to train in Dagestan a few years ago. While still living in his homeland, he had the opportunity to share the mat with the former featherweight champion (up to 65,7 kg).