Islam Makhachev’s ‘Hidden’ Skill Gets Credit as UFC Veteran Breaks Down Alexander Volkanovski Rematch

Las Vegas — When Islam Makhachev’s left shin collided with Alexander Volkanovski’s jaw to end their February rematch, social media erupted over the sudden violence. Yet within the UFC’s own locker rooms, the finish was less a bolt from the blue than a long-awaited unveiling. Gerald Meerschaert, owner of a divisional-record 12 stoppages at 185 pounds, says the public simply hadn’t been watching closely enough.

“Islam always had good standup,” Meerschaert told The Casuals MMA. “It’s just he hasn’t had to use it in a lot of fights because the takedowns are so easily there. He’ll get in the clinch, grab the gloves, hit those little foot sweeps and off-balance guys enough where it’s not really necessary to throw any strikes.”

Meerschaert pointed to the Volkanovski sequel as Exhibit A. Makhachev uncorked a series of low and high kicks early, but once the fight hit the canvas he never needed a second dose. “If they don’t get up, you don’t throw kicks anymore,” Meerschaert noted.

That hidden layer of stand-up craft has been cultivated for nearly a decade behind closed doors, according to coach Javier Mendez. Ahead of Makhachev’s recent bout with Jack Della Maddalena, Mendez cautioned against dismissing the champion as a one-dimensional grappler. The payoff arrived in the form of a walk-off head-kick that reframed the pound-for-pound conversation.

Now the question is whether the striking will stay in the spotlight. Makhachev has openly endorsed a clash with Ilia Topuria on the rumored White House card, telling reporters, “If the UFC wants it, I’m ready.” The proposed matchup would pit two undefeated streaks against one another and could re-shape the lightweight title picture.

Yet readiness and reality are diverging. Dominance MMA head Ali Abdelaziz used social media to tamp down speculation, writing: “Justin Gaethje is fighting next for the undisputed lightweight title, and if Topuria doesn’t want, then Justin will fight for the undisputed title against whoever is next.” Abdelaziz added that Makhachev’s next outing will come at welterweight, not against a fellow lightweight contender.

For the moment, the champion’s concealed stand-up arsenal remains an ace yet to be fully played. Fans caught a glimpse in the Volkanovski rematch; whether they see the full deck depends less on Makhachev’s willingness than on the strategic calculus of his management team.