Israel Adesanya impressed by one aspect of Islam Makhachev’s standup ahead of UFC 300 title defense

Former UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya recently shared his admiration for a particular facet of Islam Makhachev's striking. Speaking ahead of UFC 300, where Makhachev is set to defend his Lightweight title, Adesanya pinpointed a specific element of the Dagestani fighter's standup game that he finds particularly effective.

Adesanya, known for his own sophisticated striking prowess, noted that Makhachev's ability to seamlessly transition between wrestling and striking is what sets him apart. He highlighted how Makhachev utilizes his powerful grappling background to set up his strikes, making him a dangerous opponent on the feet.

"What I see in Islam's standup, which is very dangerous, is how he uses his wrestling to set up his hands," Adesanya explained. "He's not just a wrestler who can throw hands; he's a fighter who uses his grappling to create openings. That's what makes him so unique and effective."

The City Kickboxing product went on to elaborate on the strategic advantage this combination provides. He believes Makhachev's ability to threaten with takedowns at any moment forces opponents to stay defensively minded, which in turn, can be exploited by his striking.

"When you're worried about the takedown, it changes your whole approach to striking," Adesanya continued. "You're more hesitant, you're not committing as much. And Islam is brilliant at capitalizing on that. He'll feint a takedown, and then he'll blast you with a punch, or he'll use that hesitation to set up his combinations. It’s a very intelligent way to fight."

Adesanya's insights offer a deeper appreciation for Makhachev's well-rounded skill set, suggesting that his striking is not merely an addition to his wrestling but an integral part of a sophisticated fighting system. As UFC 300 approaches, these observations from a fellow elite striker provide a compelling perspective on the challenges facing Makhachev's upcoming title defense.