Saturday’s fight in Las Vegas features top lightweight prospects Islam Makhachev (19-1) vs. Thiago Moises (15-4).
Makhachev, dubbed “Khabib 2.0” (and “the uncrowned champion” by many MMA pundits), puts his 7-fight win streak on the line in his first main event bout. Moises, 26, will look to gamble a 3-fight win streak of his own.
In what some view as the promotion’s most stacked division, Moises has earned three consecutive victories over game opponents, including Michael Johnson, Bobby Green, and Alexander Hernandez. Moises will look to pull off the surprise upset and steal the momentum from the highly-touted Makhachev.
Makhachev, 29, looks to sustain his dominance of the lightweight division. A victory over Moises (14th ranked lightweight) may not move the needle much for the 9th ranked Makhachev, but it will provide him with the opportunity to step up in competition. Makhachev resembles the “mauling” style implemented by lightweight GOAT and training partner Khabib Nurmagomedov. That style earned Khabib a 29-0 MMA record and the UFC lightweight strap.
Makhachev’s well-rounded game and relentless pace make him a nightmare matchup for any lightweight in the top-15. A future title shot could be on the horizon for the pride of Russia, but that prize will require disposing of Moises on Saturday.
Khabib has challenged his prodigy to “show the world” just how good he is. The world will be watching to see if he can do just that. For one, lightweight champ Charles Oliveira will be among those tuning in!
