Makhachev, Dvalishvili Post-UFC 311

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Post on Jan 20, 2025

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Makhachev and Dvalishvili Post-UFC 311: A Dominant Display and a Look Ahead

UFC 311 delivered some thrilling matchups, but the performances of Islam Makhachev and Merab Dvalishvili stood out as particularly dominant. Both fighters showcased their exceptional skills, solidifying their positions as top contenders in their respective weight classes. This post-fight analysis delves into their victories, highlighting key takeaways and looking ahead to their potential future matchups.

Islam Makhachev: A Ruthless Performance Against Volkanovski

Islam Makhachev's victory over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 311 was nothing short of a statement. While many considered Volkanovski the pound-for-pound best, Makhachev's superior grappling and relentless pressure proved too much to overcome. The fight showcased Makhachev's refined striking, his unmatched wrestling, and his unyielding cardio. He controlled the pace, dictating the fight from start to finish and leaving little doubt as to who was the better fighter on the night.

Key Takeaways from Makhachev's Victory:

• Dominant Grappling: Makhachev's ground game was simply exceptional. He effortlessly took Volkanovski down, controlling him on the mat and limiting his opportunities to strike. This showcased the evolution of his grappling skills, proving his ability to dominate even the most elite wrestlers.
• Improved Striking: While known for his grappling, Makhachev's striking has significantly improved. He landed significant strikes throughout the fight, keeping Volkanovski honest and preventing him from establishing his rhythm.
• Unmatched Cardio: The fight went the full five rounds, yet Makhachev showed no signs of fatigue. His incredible cardio is a crucial aspect of his fighting style, allowing him to maintain pressure and dominate for the entire duration.

What's Next for Makhachev?

The victory against Volkanovski cements Makhachev's status as the lightweight champion. Potential future opponents include a rematch with Volkanovski, potentially at featherweight, or a clash with rising contenders like Beneil Dariush or Justin Gaethje. A superfight against the welterweight champion, Leon Edwards, also remains a possibility, though less likely in the immediate future. Regardless of his opponent, Makhachev's next fight will be highly anticipated.

Merab Dvalishvili: Unwavering Dominance and a Question of Championship Contention

Merab Dvalishvili's performance against Petr Yan at UFC 311 was similarly impressive. He showcased his relentless pace and superior wrestling, completely controlling the fight and dominating Yan throughout the five rounds. While he didn't secure a finish, his unwavering pressure and technical precision cemented his place as one of the best bantamweights in the world.

Key Takeaways from Dvalishvili's Victory:

• Wrestling Prowess: Dvalishvili's wrestling is his greatest asset. He repeatedly took Yan down, controlling the position and limiting his offensive opportunities. His takedown defense was equally impressive, preventing Yan from utilizing his striking advantage.
• Unmatched Cardio and Pace: Similar to Makhachev, Dvalishvili's cardio is exceptional. He maintains a relentless pace throughout the fight, wearing down his opponents and making them susceptible to takedowns.
• Improved Striking: While his wrestling dominates, Dvalishvili's striking has seen considerable improvement. He landed significant strikes, controlling the fight both on the feet and on the ground.

The Championship Question for Dvalishvili:

Despite his dominant victory, Dvalishvili’s close friendship with champion Aljamain Sterling complicates his path to a title shot. His refusal to fight Sterling, citing their close bond, leaves his championship aspirations in question. The future for Dvalishvili remains uncertain, but his performances continue to highlight his elite level skill. A fight against a top contender like Cory Sandhagen or Sean O'Malley might be next on the horizon, potentially paving his way to a future title opportunity.

Conclusion: A Night of Dominance in the UFC

The performances of Makhachev and Dvalishvili at UFC 311 were truly exceptional. Both fighters demonstrated their dominance, showcasing their technical skills and exceptional conditioning. While their futures remain slightly different, both fighters are undoubtedly amongst the best in the world, and their next fights will be must-see events. The UFC lightweight and bantamweight divisions are shaping up to be incredibly exciting for the years to come.