Stephen Thompson has identified three critical elements that welterweight contenders must possess to overcome the formidable challenge of UFC champion Islam Makhachev.
Makhachev transitioned to the 170-pound division last year, successfully dethroning Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 to claim the undisputed welterweight title and reclaim his pound-for-pound top spot. His first title defense is anticipated for August, with Ian Machado Garry being a likely opponent. Other fighters like Michael Morales, Carlos Prates, and Kamaru Usman are also in contention for a title shot.
Meanwhile, the 43-year-old Thompson offers strategic advice that could prove invaluable for Makhachev’s future challengers.
How to Beat Islam Makhachev? Stephen Thompson Weighs In
In a recent interview with Full Mount MMA, Stephen Thompson elaborated on three key factors for defeating Islam Makhachev, beginning with the paramount importance of conditioning.
“Islam is the type of guy to make a fight very, very, very grueling for his opponent, right? Guys like Islam, guys like Khabib, they try to break your spirit… For a coach, their cardio has to be there. They have to be mentally, physically, emotionally ready for the most grueling fight ever and have the cardio for it. Kind of like what Strickland did against Khamzat.”
Makhachev has long been recognized for his exceptional cardio, a trait he carried over from his lightweight tenure. Prior to his move to welterweight, there were speculations that the additional 15 pounds might impact his stamina. However, his dominant performance against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 silenced critics and unequivocally announced his arrival in the new weight class.
Thompson’s second point emphasizes the necessity for exceptional movement and fight IQ when facing Makhachev. Remaining static for extended periods provides the Dagestani wrestling specialist with greater opportunities to secure takedowns and drag opponents to the mat. Therefore, continuous resetting is crucial to avoid this.
“Two, you’ve got to be very hard to hit, very hard to nail down in one spot. If you stand there long enough, they’re going to get to your legs.”
Finally, Stephen Thompson highlighted that the third and most critical aspect when confronting Islam Makhachev is effective close-range striking. “Wonderboy” believes that opponents must be prepared to counter Makhachev’s takedown and submission attempts by punishing him with strikes like elbows and knees in the clinch.
“And then it’s going to be their last line of defense, their knees and elbows, that close-range striking to make them pay for trying to get on the inside… I think Carlos Prates is very good at that with his elbows and knees.”
Watch Stephen Thompson’s insights on how to defeat Islam Makhachev:
🚨🏆 Stephen Thompson names THREE components that Welterweight contenders need to beat Islam Makhachev:
‘Islam is the type of guy to make a fight very, very, very grueling to his opponent, right? Guys like Islam, guys like Khabib, they try to break your spirit.
For a coach,… pic.twitter.com/Tx5vZ2BQI1
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) May 26, 2026
English Translation
Stephen Thompson has pinpointed three crucial factors that welterweight contenders need to possess in order to overcome the formidable challenge posed by UFC champion Islam Makhachev.
Makhachev ascended to the 170-pound division last year, successfully dethroning Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 to become the undisputed welterweight titleholder and also regaining his pound-for-pound standing. He is slated to make his initial title defense in August, with Ian Machado Garry being a likely contender. Beyond Garry, Michael Morales, Carlos Prates, and Kamaru Usman are also in the mix for a shot at the title.
Meanwhile, the 43-year-old Thompson has shared some strategic advice that could assist Makhachev’s future opponents.
How to Beat Islam Makhachev? Stephen Thompson Weighs In
During an interview with Full Mount MMA, Stephen Thompson, while dissecting three essential elements for defeating Islam Makhachev, first highlighted cardio as the most significant.
“Islam is the type of guy who makes a fight incredibly grueling for his opponent. Fighters like Islam and Khabib aim to break your spirit. Their conditioning must be top-notch. They need to be mentally, physically, and emotionally prepared for the most arduous fight imaginable and possess the stamina for it, much like Strickland demonstrated against Chimaev.”
Makhachev has consistently been known for his exceptional cardio, a trait evident even during his lightweight days. Before his move to welterweight, there were concerns that the additional 15 pounds might impact his pace and gas tank. However, at UFC 322, following a dominant performance against Jack Della Maddalena, Makhachev emphatically announced his arrival in the new weight class, leaving no room for critics.
The second point highlighted by “Wonderboy” is that any fighter facing Makhachev must possess excellent movement and a high fight IQ. Lingering in one spot for too long makes it easier for the Dagestani wrestling maestro to initiate takedowns and attempt to drag his opponent to the ground. Consequently, to prevent this, a fighter must constantly reposition themselves.
“Secondly, you must be extremely difficult to hit and very hard to pin down in one place. If you stand still for too long, they will inevitably go for your legs.”
Lastly, according to Stephen Thompson, the third and most crucial aspect when facing Islam Makhachev is effective close-range striking. “Wonderboy” believes that whenever the Russian attempts to close the distance for takedowns or submissions, opponents must be ready to punish him with elbows and knees in close quarters.
“And then it will be their last line of defense, their knees and elbows, that close-range striking to make them pay for trying to get on the inside. I believe Carlos Prates is very adept at that with his elbows and knees.”
