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 has shared the mats with Khabib Nurmagomedov since childhood. While many still associate his success and career with the former fighter, the welterweight title challenger (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 matter on the latest episode of the 'Pound 4 Pound' podcast . During a chat with Henry Cejudo , the Nigerian Nightmare reprimanded his co-host, 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 an Islam Makhachev fight . 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 disagrees 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 fighters involved in the main event of UFC 322 would add more to their legacy if they won. For the Nigerian, the possibility of equaling Anderson Silva's record for 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 raised by Henry Cejudo.

Makhachev has impressive achievements in the UFC.

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

Making his debut in the welterweight division (up to 77,1 kg), Islam Makhachev boasts one of the most impressive resumes in recent years in the UFC. Undefeated for over ten years, the Russian holds the record for successful lightweight title defenses (up to 70,3 kg), with four wins, and could surpass Anderson Silva in the number of consecutive victories. His record includes great performances against names of the caliber of Alexander Volkanovski , Charles Oliveira , Arman Tsarukyan , and Dustin Poirier.

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