Islam Makhachev’s rise in mixed martial arts (MMA) has not only put the lightweight division on notice but also reshaped the conversation around what it takes to dominate the pound-for-pound (P4P) rankings. A key part of his success—and what differentiates him from many of his peers—is his world-class wrestling, which has become a defining feature of his game. Makhachev’s grappling style, rooted in the Dagestani tradition and honed by years of training under former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, is transforming how fans, analysts, and fighters view the criteria for determining the P4P best in the sport.

1. Reclaiming the Power of Control

One of the key arguments in P4P rankings has historically revolved around versatility and finishing ability. However, Makhachev’s wrestling emphasizes the importance of control. His ability to dictate where the fight takes place—whether on the feet or on the mat—gives him a massive strategic advantage. This total control reflects a mastery of distance, timing, and leverage, allowing him to nullify his opponents' strengths and fight on his own terms. His dominance over elite competition, such as Charles Oliveira, has shown that technical control can be as valuable as a knockout or submission in determining the best fighter across divisions.

2. The Evolution of Ground Dominance

While wrestling has long been a key skill in MMA, Makhachev has taken the traditional art of ground control to a new level. His seamless transitions between takedowns and top control reflect a deep understanding of the mechanics of pressure and positioning. What makes Makhachev unique is his ability to mix in submissions with relentless ground-and-pound, keeping opponents constantly off balance. His method of systematically breaking down opponents with a relentless grappling assault has set a new standard for how wrestling should be utilized in MMA, reinforcing the idea that a dominant ground game is an essential skill for any fighter aiming to break into the P4P rankings.

3. Changing the Definition of Well-Roundedness

The MMA community often measures P4P greatness by a fighter’s ability to excel in all facets of the sport—striking, grappling, submissions, and cage IQ. Makhachev, though originally viewed as a wrestling-heavy fighter, has evolved his striking game significantly, making him a threat both standing and on the mat. His ability to use his wrestling to set up his striking, and vice versa, is a testament to his well-rounded skill set. Makhachev’s style demonstrates that being exceptional in one area—wrestling—does not negate a fighter’s overall versatility but rather can enhance it, transforming what "well-roundedness" means in the P4P debate.

4. Redefining Dominance in the Lightweight Division

In a division historically known for its strikers—Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje—Makhachev’s rise has put wrestling at the forefront once again. His dismantling of strikers with superior grappling and his ability to neutralize submission artists like Oliveira through his wrestling has sparked debates about the value of striking-centric versus grappling-centric skill sets in P4P rankings. The lightweight division, often regarded as the deepest in the UFC, has long favored fighters who can finish with strikes. Makhachev’s wrestling dominance shows that mastery over an opponent—whether through submission or control—can be just as devastating as a highlight-reel knockout.

5. Dagestani Wrestling’s Global Impact

Makhachev’s success has also spotlighted the growing influence of Dagestani wrestling in MMA. Fighters from Dagestan, with their distinct approach to grappling, have reshaped not only their respective divisions but also the broader conversation on what it means to be the best fighter in the world. Makhachev is at the forefront of this movement, showcasing how Dagestani wrestling's emphasis on chain wrestling, smothering pressure, and seamless integration of grappling and striking can dominate at the highest level. His success forces the MMA community to reconsider the weight they place on elite wrestling when debating P4P rankings.

6. The Psychological Advantage of Wrestling

Makhachev’s ability to impose his wrestling creates a psychological edge that impacts his opponents before they even step into the cage. Fighters who face Makhachev often struggle to prepare for the physical and mental challenge of being controlled on the ground. His opponents frequently expend massive amounts of energy trying to avoid the inevitable takedown, only to be overwhelmed once the fight hits the mat. This aspect of control—where fighters know what’s coming but are powerless to stop it—has become a key factor in why many view Makhachev as a P4P threat, even in a division filled with knockout artists and submission specialists.

7. Wrestling as the New Standard for P4P Fighters

As Makhachev continues to rise in the rankings, his style highlights a broader trend in MMA where elite wrestling is increasingly seen as a must-have skill for fighters vying for P4P status. Just as striking legends like Anderson Silva and Georges St-Pierre redefined what it meant to be a dominant P4P fighter through their striking and grappling, Makhachev’s wrestling is now shaping that conversation for a new generation. Wrestling is no longer just a tool to complement other skills—it is now a central component in determining a fighter’s overall greatness.