Adesanya On Islam Makhachev: He's The One

Israel Adesanya believes Islam Makhachev sits atop the sport after watching the lightweight champion submit Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330.

The former two-time middleweight titleholder discussed Makhachev's performance with Demetrious Johnson on their Precision podcast, per BJPenn.com. Adesanya said Makhachev separated himself from other elite fighters in the Dagestani camp. "Islam just proved that he's the best out of the bunch," he said. "When you put it all together, when it comes to mixed martial arts, yeah, Islam is the one. He's the best fighter in the world right now."

Adesanya's Betting Dilemma With Makhachev Wins

Adesanya admitted Makhachev creates a problem for his fight predictions. The Dagestani keeps facing fighters Adesanya roots for, forcing him to pick against the champ. "It's like he can't keep getting no wins," Adesanya said with a laugh, joking about the damage to his parlays. Johnson agreed with the assessment and laughed at Adesanya's predicament.

Makhachev's mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov praised his pupil on Instagram after the Philadelphia victory. The former lightweight champion called Makhachev's achievement synonymous with reaching the pinnacle of the sport, noting the record for longest winning streak in UFC history. "He is rightfully considered one of the best athletes to ever step into the Octagon," Nurmagomedov wrote, according to BJPenn.com.

Makhachev's next title defense has not been announced.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Israel Adesanya tells Demetrious Johnson that Islam Makhachev “is the one”