Former champion defends Makhachev and says the fighter has already stepped out of Khabib's "shadow": 'He wrote his own story'

Makhachev and Khabib during training. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

One of the most successful members of the entire Dagestan Clan, Islam makhachev divides the mats with Khabib Nurmagomedov Since childhood. Although many still associate his success and career with the former fighter, the challenger for the welterweight title (up to 77,1 kg) this Saturday has already done enough to build his own legacy inside the octagon. At least, that's the opinion of... Kamaru Usman.

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Usman discussed the topic in the latest edition of Espaitec's 'Pound 4 Pound'. During a chat with Henry CejudoThe Nigerian Nightmare reprimanded his fellow commentator, highlighting Makhachev's achievements and the Russian's significance beyond his friendship with Khabib.

"Why are we bringing Khabib in? This isn't a Khabib fight, it's a fight of..." Islam makhachev"We need to talk about Islam, not Khabib. This has nothing to do with Khabib. Islam wrote his own history," stated the former welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg).

Kamaru Usman disagree with Henry Cejudo, asserting that Islam makhachev has forged his own legacy and this fight is independent of Khabib's lineage

Usman said if Islam wins, he ties the record for the longest winning streak in UFC history, adding that Islam has more to gain in… pic.twitter.com/f3w1bFv9NY

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) November 13, 2025

The statement was made amidst a discussion about which of the two involved in the main fight of UFC 322 Victory would add even more to his legacy. For the Nigerian, the possibility of equaling... Anderson Silva Winning the longest winning streak in the organization's history would be a more important factor than defeating a member of the Dagestan Clan, a point that was raised by... Henry Cejudo.

Makhachev has impressive achievements in the UFC.

Makhachev backstage at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Making her debut in the welterweight category (up to 77,1 kg), Islam makhachev He has one of the most impressive resumes in recent years in the UFC. Undefeated for over ten years, the Russian holds the record for successful defenses of the lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg), with four wins, and could surpass that number. Anderson Silva in the number of consecutive wins. His record includes great performances against names of the caliber of Alexander Volkanovsky, Charles of the Bronx, Arman Tsarukyan e Dustin poirier.