Jan 18, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) reacts after defeating Renato Moicano (blue gloves) in a lightweight title fight during UFC 311 at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

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“I Check Who Have Real Black Belt”: Islam Makhachev Gives Funny Response On BJJ Guys Being A Threat To Him

Islam Makhachev humorously responds to claims that BJJ fighters pose a threat to him, dismissing the notion with humor!

The debate between different martial arts styles has been around since the inception of the UFC. From its early days, when each fighting discipline claimed superiority, to today’s more well-rounded approach, fighters have always loved to argue about which style reigns supreme. However, few have backed up their claims quite like Islam Makhachev, who’s been treating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts like white belts in a beginners’ class.

After his latest victory at UFC 311, where he made quick work of Renato Moicano with a slick D’Arce choke, Makhachev couldn’t help but poke fun at the situation. Moicano is a black belt in Jiu Jitsu. But as soon as the fight got to the ground, the Dagestani showed his true level.

Also Read: Islam Makhachev Targets Champion From A Higher Weight Class

Islam Makhachev’s Take On BJJ And Sambo

The numbers tell a story that must give BJJ practitioners nightmares. In his last five fights, Islam Makhachev has submitted three Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts. He is treating some of the sport’s most decorated grapplers like they just showed up for their first day of class. Charles Oliveira, the UFC’s submission king? Tapped. Dustin Poirier, Submitted. Now Moicano joins the club of black belts who have discovered that Russian Sambo might just be their kryptonite.

In an interview with ESPN MMA host Megan Olivi after the fight, Islam Makhachev gave his take on jiu-jitsu black belts. He is the same guy that wondered who had given Dustin Poirier a black belt and came up with the iconoc phrase “Who give him. We have to check that moment.” Now, he is saying something along similar lines.

“I check who has real black belts, and who doesn’t have a real black belt. Sambo is the best, I told you guys. Sambo working very well for the jiu-jitsu. Sorry guys but it’s true.”

What makes Islam Makhachev’s success even more remarkable is how he’s managed to turn the grappling world upside down. While most fighters try to avoid going to the ground with BJJ specialists, Makhachev seems to seek it out.

Looking ahead, Islam Makhachev seems more interested in collecting belts than checking them. He is already talking about moving up in weight, possibly all the way to middleweight. With his slick grappling skills and ever-improved striking, this doesn’t seem a far-fetched possibility. And doubting the pound-for-pound king of the world is a mistake that no one in their right mind will make!

(Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez – Imagn Images)

Islam Makhachev

Renato Moicano

UFC 311

Zaid Quraishi

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I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!