Islam Makachev will finally make his much-anticipated return to the UFC against Rafael Dos Anjos. The former Champion will go down lightweight to take on Islam Makachev at UFC 254. Rafael Dos Anjos will go down to the lightweight division for the first time in over the years to take on Makachev.
UFC 254 will headline UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Justin Gaethje in a unification bout for the UFC Lightweight Championship. It will be Khabib’s third title defense, and he will look to further cement his position in the lightweight division with a win over Gaethje. Islam Makachev last competed inside the octagon at UFC 241 against Davi Ramos. Makachev picked up an incredible unanimous decision victory, to register his sixth straight victory inside UFC. Islam Makachev is a dominating grappler, who likes to take the fight to the ground like his teammate Khabib Nurmagomedov. Makachev has fared well in the UFC lightweight division, with 7 victories in his eight fights under UFC.
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Islam Makachev vs Rafael Dos Anjos to take place at UFC 254
Rafael Dos Anjos is coming off two back to back losses inside the octagon. Dos Anjos has only won one fight in his last five outings. He lost his last fight against rising contender Michael Chiesa. However, the former Champion will look to jump back to winning ways in his return to the lightweight division. Rafael Dos Anjos is a former lightweight champion with notable victories over former champion Robbie Lawler, Donald Cerrone, Benson Henderson, and Kevin Lee.
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It is an interesting match-up considering Dos Anjos is a former Champion, and Islam Makachev has never faced an opponent of the experience of Dos Anjos. While the former Champion is a more complete striker, Islam Makachev will have an advantage on the ground going forward in the fight. Islam Makachev has not competed inside the octagon for over a year and will look to make an emphatic return inside the octagon. Dos Anjos moved to the Welterweight division soon after his loss over Tony Ferguson. Despite picking up incredible victories over Neil Magny and Robbie Lawler, Dos Anjos failed to keep the same momentum going forward. Dos Anjos will look to make a statement in his lightweight return. However, Islam Makachev will be a tough challenge for the former Champion.