What's Happening?
Russian UFC middleweight Ikram Aliskerov shared his thoughts on the greatest fighters in Russian MMA history during an interview. He highlighted the achievements of Fedor Emelianenko, Khabib Nurmagomedov,
and Islam Makhachev, noting that each dominated their respective eras. Aliskerov refrained from naming a single greatest fighter, emphasizing that every era has its heroes. Recently, Islam Makhachev made history by defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, becoming the first Russian to hold UFC championships in two weight classes. Makhachev's record now stands at 28 wins and one loss, while Khabib Nurmagomedov retired undefeated with 29 wins.
Why It's Important?
The discussion around the greatest Russian MMA fighters underscores the country's significant impact on the sport. Makhachev's recent victory not only adds to Russia's legacy in MMA but also highlights the evolving nature of the sport, where new champions continue to emerge. This development is crucial for the UFC as it expands its global reach, with Russian fighters playing a pivotal role in attracting international audiences. The achievements of fighters like Makhachev and Nurmagomedov inspire upcoming athletes and contribute to the growing popularity of MMA in Russia and beyond.
