After a dominant victory at UFC 280, Islam Makhachev stood in the octagon with a brand-new title around his waist, having firmly cemented his place as one of the best fighters in the lightweight division. The crowd roared in excitement as the newly crowned champion, who had fought his way to the top with an undefeated streak in the UFC, took a moment to soak in the achievement. In his octagon interview, Makhachev’s calm demeanor and focused attitude gave us a deeper understanding of the man behind the fighter. Here’s a breakdown of that iconic post-fight interview and the key insights we gained from it.

The Respect for His Mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov

One of the first things that stood out during Islam Makhachev’s octagon interview was his clear admiration and respect for his former coach, mentor, and close friend, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Islam’s rise to the top of the lightweight division has been closely tied to Khabib’s influence, and it’s no secret that Khabib’s legendary career served as a blueprint for Makhachev’s own journey.

When interviewer Joe Rogan asked Makhachev about the impact of Khabib on his career, Islam was quick to emphasize how much Khabib had helped him evolve as a fighter. Makhachev shared that Khabib had not only trained him in the art of combat but also in maintaining the right mindset and focus required to be a champion. The respect Islam has for Khabib is evident, and this post-fight moment highlighted the importance of mentorship in shaping his own career.

Humility and Confidence in Equal Measure

What’s remarkable about Makhachev is his ability to exude both humility and confidence simultaneously. In the octagon interview, he was clearly aware of the magnitude of his achievement, but his humility was equally evident. He wasn’t one to boast about his victory; instead, he remained grounded, attributing his success to hard work, dedication, and his team’s effort.

At the same time, there was no mistaking his confidence in his skills and his ability to be the best. Despite being relatively quiet and reserved in interviews, Islam’s performance in the cage speaks volumes. His mastery of Sambo, impeccable wrestling, and refined striking have made him one of the most well-rounded and dangerous fighters in the lightweight division. In his interview, he was able to confidently assert that he was ready to face anyone in the world, showing that he’s prepared to defend his title against the best.

Islam’s Calm and Focused Persona

If there’s one thing that stands out about Islam Makhachev, it’s his calm and collected persona. Unlike many fighters who get caught up in the emotion of the moment, Makhachev never seems rattled. In his octagon interview, Islam’s demeanor remained unshaken. Whether it was the bright lights of the UFC stage or the roaring crowd, Makhachev appeared as composed as ever.

This sense of calm under pressure is one of the reasons why Islam has been so successful in the cage. He fights with a level of poise that belies his aggressive wrestling style. Whether he’s controlling his opponent against the cage or transitioning to dominant positions on the ground, Makhachev’s ability to stay relaxed in difficult situations has made him a force to be reckoned with.

Acknowledging His Opponent’s Strength

After defeating Charles Oliveira, Makhachev took a moment to acknowledge the talent and heart of his opponent. Oliveira had been a dominant champion in the lightweight division, and many considered him one of the most dangerous fighters in the UFC. However, Makhachev’s grappling and wrestling were too much for Oliveira to handle on the night.

Still, Islam was quick to show respect for Oliveira’s skills and toughness, saying that Charles had always been a great fighter and that it was a hard fight. This shows that Makhachev’s mindset is that of a true competitor who understands the level of respect that must be given to every opponent, regardless of the outcome.

This humility and respect are also reflected in how Makhachev approaches his fighting style—he doesn’t underestimate his opponents, no matter their reputation or previous accomplishments. His mentality of focusing on his own game, while respecting his opponent’s strengths, has contributed greatly to his success inside the octagon.

Plans for the Future: The Path to Dominance

During his interview, Makhachev made it clear that he wasn’t content with just winning a single title. Instead, he had bigger goals in mind. While he was gracious about his victory, Makhachev expressed his desire to defend his title and continue proving that he is the best lightweight fighter in the world.

One of the most telling parts of the interview came when he discussed his future in the sport. Islam has always been a fighter with a singular focus, and he reiterated that his ultimate goal is to dominate the lightweight division and leave a legacy. He didn’t name specific opponents, but it was clear that Makhachev sees himself as the undisputed king of the division. His performance against Charles Oliveira, along with his previous victories, shows that he is well on his way to achieving this.

Islam’s Dedication to His Craft

One of the most poignant moments in the octagon interview came when Makhachev talked about the sacrifices he’s made to get to this point. Coming from the Republic of Dagestan, a region known for producing some of the best wrestlers and combat sports athletes in the world, Makhachev’s journey has not been easy. He shared how he dedicated his entire life to martial arts and how every aspect of his training—physical, mental, and emotional—has been focused on becoming the best.

This dedication to his craft is what sets Makhachev apart from many fighters. He doesn’t just rely on natural talent; he has consistently worked hard to refine his skills, and his growth as a fighter has been evident. Makhachev’s combination of grappling, striking, and fight IQ is the result of years of relentless training, and he made it clear that his journey is far from over.

The Legacy of Dagestan Wrestling

Islam Makhachev is part of a growing legacy of Dagestani fighters who have dominated MMA, particularly in the UFC. The rise of fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Zabit Magomedsharipov, and others has brought attention to the world-class wrestling and grappling talent that comes from this region. In his octagon interview, Islam paid tribute to his roots and his Dagestani heritage, emphasizing how proud he is to represent his people on the world stage.

Makhachev’s victory is not just a personal achievement; it’s also a victory for the wrestling culture of Dagestan, which continues to dominate in MMA. His win solidifies the legacy of fighters from this region, and it serves as inspiration for the next generation of athletes.

Conclusion: The Calm Before the Storm

Islam Makhachev’s octagon interview was a perfect reflection of the man himself—humble, confident, focused, and determined. As the new lightweight champion, Makhachev has proven that he is not just another fighter; he is a future legend of the sport. His mastery of grappling, his precise striking, and his calm approach to fighting make him a formidable opponent for anyone in the lightweight division.

But more than just his skill in the cage, it’s Makhachev’s mentality that sets him apart. He is the embodiment of hard work, discipline, and respect for the sport. His journey is far from over, and the future looks incredibly bright for Islam Makhachev, the new undisputed champion. The lightweight division better be ready because Makhachev’s reign is only just beginning.