Islam Makhachev On Nurmagomedov Knockout Tactic

Islam Makhachev fed Usman Nurmagomedov the same striking tactic that flattened Alexander Volkanovski two years ago.

Nurmagomedov dropped Archie Colgan with a question-mark kick in the opening round at PFL New York, then finished him with an uppercut to close out his contract. Coach Javier Mendez told Submission Radio that Makhachev had advised Nurmagomedov to fake teep kicks to the body before switching to the head. "He told [Usman], 'Teep up the middle, feint and feint, and then go with the head kick,'" Mendez said. "And then that's exactly what happened."

How Makhachev Learned The Setup

Makhachev originally picked up the technique from his striking coach Magomed Bagandov ahead of his 2023 knockout win over Volkanovski, per Mendez. The PFL lightweight champion now enters free agency after stopping Colgan, with UFC rumors circulating. His brother Umar faces Yadong Song in a Fight Night main event Aug. 29 in Shanghai.

Makhachev defends his welterweight title against Ian Garry on Aug. 15 at UFC 330 in Philadelphia.

Original reporting:

• sherdog.com — Islam Makhachev’s Alexander Volkanovski tactic helped Usman Nurmagomedov win