There is no doubt that when the discussion turns to wrestling dominance in the current UFC era, two names always come into debate: Khamzat Chimaev and Islam Makhachev.
Both fighters have built their careers around elite grappling, relentless pressure, and an ability to break opponents mentally and physically.
But the big question remains: who is the better wrestler in the UFC right now – Islam Makhachev or Khamzat Chimaev?
To answer this properly, we need to break down their wrestling styles, game plans, cardio, striking integration, and overall effectiveness inside the octagon.
Understanding Wrestling in Modern MMA
Before comparing Khamzat and Islam directly, it’s important to understand that wrestling in MMA is not just about takedowns. Modern MMA wrestling includes:
- Timing and setup of takedowns
- Cage control and pressure
- Ground positioning and transitions
- Submission awareness
- Cardio management
- Mixing striking with wrestling
Both Khamzat Chimaev and Islam Makhachev excel in these areas, but they apply them in very different ways.
Khamzat Chimaev’s Wrestling Style and Game Plan
Early Pressure and Immediate Takedowns
Khamzat Chimaev is known for one thing above all else: explosive starts. His game plan is usually very clear from the opening bell. He shoots for a takedown in the first minute of the first round, often within seconds.
This aggressive approach has worked almost every time in his UFC career. Opponents barely have time to settle into the fight before they are already fighting for survival on the ground.
Relentless Control and Energy Drain
Once Khamzat secures a takedown, his main goal is to drain the opponent’s energy. He uses heavy top pressure, strong clinch control, and constant movement to exhaust his opponent.
- He pins opponents against the cage
- Controls hips and legs
- Applies suffocating pressure
- Forces mistakes through fatigue
This pressure-heavy wrestling style makes opponents hesitant to strike freely because they are always afraid of the next takedown.
Ground-and-Pound Over Submissions
While Khamzat does go for submissions at times, his primary weapon on the ground is ground-and-pound. He prefers to damage opponents, break their will, and force them into defensive shells.
Sometimes he finishes with submissions, sometimes he doesn’t, but the dominance remains clear.
Limited Striking Threat
One weakness in Khamzat’s game is that his striking is not as polished as his wrestling. He can strike, but it’s not his strongest weapon.
However, his wrestling threat makes his striking effective by default. Opponents are so worried about takedowns that they hesitate to engage fully on the feet.
Championship-Level Wrestling Performance
Khamzat’s wrestling was on full display when he defeated Dricus Du Plessis to win the middleweight title.
Across five rounds, Khamzat applied constant pressure, used his wrestling to control key moments, and dictated where the fight took place.
That fight proved that his wrestling can hold up not just for early rounds, but across championship rounds as well.
Islam Makhachev’s Wrestling Style and Game Plan
Patient and Calculated Approach
Unlike Khamzat, Islam Makhachev does not rush for takedowns. His wrestling is based on patience and timing.
Islam usually starts his fights with striking exchanges, allowing opponents to believe the fight might remain standing.
Once the opponent gets comfortable, that’s when Islam changes levels and shoots.
This delayed wrestling approach is one of the biggest differences between Islam and Khamzat.
Wrestling Integrated With Striking
Islam’s striking is far more refined. He uses clean punches, kicks, and footwork to set up his wrestling. This makes his takedowns harder to read and defend.
Opponents can’t focus only on defending takedowns because Islam is comfortable exchanging strikes.
Submission-Focused Ground Game
When Islam takes the fight to the ground, his objective is clear: finish the fight. His grappling is extremely technical, and he constantly looks for submissions.
One of his most dangerous weapons is the D’Arce choke, which he has used repeatedly at the highest level.
Dominance Against Elite Grapplers
Islam’s wrestling dominance was on full display when he defeated Charles Oliveira to win the lightweight title.
Charles is considered one of the best submission artists in UFC history, yet Islam submitted him with a D’Arce choke as if he were a beginner.
He later defended his title by submitting Dustin Poirier via rear-naked choke in the final moments of round five, showcasing not only technique but elite cardio.
Success at Welterweight
Many fans believed that moving up to welterweight would expose Islam’s wrestling. Fighters in higher weight classes are stronger and harder to control.
However, Islam proved everyone wrong by defeating Jack Della Maddalena via unanimous decision, controlling the fight with smart wrestling, pressure, and superior fight IQ.
This win cemented Islam as a double champion and erased any doubts about his wrestling translating to a heavier division.
Key Differences Between Khamzat and Islam Wrestling
1. Timing of Takedowns
- Khamzat Chimaev: Shoots early, often in the first minute
- Islam Makhachev: Sets up takedowns through striking and timing
2. Primary Objective
- Khamzat: Control, pressure, ground-and-pound
- Islam: Control, submission, efficient finishing
3. Cardio Management
- Khamzat: Explosive but can slow down in later rounds
- Islam: Consistent pace across all five rounds
4. Striking Integration
- Khamzat: Striking mainly supports wrestling
- Islam: Striking and wrestling are equally dangerous
5. Championship Consistency
- Khamzat: Dominant but still refining long-term strategy
- Islam: Proven across multiple divisions and elite opponents
Who Is the Better Wrestler Right Now?
Both fighters are elite, and both dominate opponents in different ways.
Khamzat Chimaev’s wrestling is physically overwhelming, aggressive, and fear-inducing. His pressure alone can break opponents before the fight truly begins.
However, Islam Makhachev’s wrestling is more complete and refined. He combines striking, takedowns, submissions, cardio, and fight IQ into one seamless system.
His ability to dominate elite grapplers, finish fights late, and succeed across divisions gives him a clear edge.
That is why Islam Makhachev currently holds the top spot as the pound-for-pound best fighter in the UFC.
Final Verdict
There is only a small difference between Khamzat Chimaev’s wrestling and Islam Makhachev’s wrestling—but that difference matters at the highest level.
- Khamzat is a force of nature.
- Islam is a master tactician.
Right now, due to superior cardio, cleaner striking, and higher-level submission grappling, Islam Makhachev has the advantage.
That complete skill set is what separates him from everyone else and keeps him at the top of the UFC hierarchy.
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