Makhachev's Volkanovski KO Tactic Aided Nurmagomedov Win

Islam Makhachev passed along the striking setup that flattened Alexander Volkanovski to Usman Nurmagomedov before the PFL lightweight champion knocked out Archie Colgan at PFL New York.

Nurmagomedov landed a question-mark kick followed by an uppercut to finish the previously undefeated Colgan in the first round, retaining his 155-pound strap in Long Island. According to American Kickboxing Academy coach Javier Mendez, Makhachev coached his teammate on the same body-feint-to-head-kick sequence he used against Volkanovski in their 2023 rematch.

Makhachev Learned Tactic From Striking Coach Before Volkanovski Rematch

"It was actually Islam's advice that got the job done," Mendez told Submission Radio, per Sherdog. "He told [Usman], 'Teep up the middle, feint and feint, and then go with the head kick.' And then that's exactly what happened." Mendez added that Makhachev originally learned the technique from his striking coach Magomed Bagandov before the Volkanovski knockout.

Nurmagomedov trains alongside a roster that includes cousin and Hall of Famer Khabib, brother and top-ranked bantamweight Umar, Mendez, and UFC lightweight champion Makhachev. The unbeaten 22-0 fighter is now a free agent after completing his PFL deal, with speculation mounting about a potential UFC signing.

Makhachev defends his lightweight title against Ian Garry on August 15 at UFC 330 in Philadelphia. Umar Nurmagomedov faces Yadong Song in a Fight Night main event August 29 in Shanghai.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Islam Makhachev’s Volkanovski tactic helped Usman Nurmagomedov win