Dagestani athletes coming to the UFC changed MMA. Their continuous wrestling, outstanding cardio, and smothering pressure made them seem unbeatable. Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev, and others created a plan that worked for years. But now, things are starting to break down. Recent UFC fights show that this once-feared style may be weaker now.
What Is the Dagestani Fighting Style in UFC?
Combat Sambo, a Russian martial art that combines judo, wrestling, and striking, is the basis for the Dagestani style of MMA. People recognize it for chain wrestling, cage control, and ground dominance. Fighters from Dagestan train in extreme conditions from a young age, which makes them very strong and mentally tough.
These athletes learn how to take the fight to the ground, dominate their opponent’s posture, and wear them down. Their distinctive “Dagestani handcuff” and ankle holds are signs of their strong top control.
Evolution of the Style
Khabib Nurmagomedov made the approach famous by retiring with a record of 29–0. His game was packed with takedowns and intense ground-and-pound, which made it impossible for his opponents to do anything.
Islam Makhachev, Khabib’s training partner and protégé, brought change. He uses southpaw kicks and counters to set up grappling exchanges, mixing strong wrestling with better striking. His wins against Charles Oliveira and Alexander Volkanovski made him the new face of Dagestani MMA dominance.
Dagestani Style in the Light Heavyweight Division
Magomed Ankalaev beat Alex Pereira at UFC 313 to become the UFC light heavyweight champion. Ankalaev stopped Pereira’s strikes by using forward pressure, trying to take him down at the right time, and controlling the clinch. The win showed that Dagestani methods may succeed in higher weight classes if they are used with caution and persistence.
Are UFC Fighters Figuring Out the Dagestani Style?
Some experts say yes. More and more fighters are getting ready to face Dagestani fighters, and new ways to fight them are coming out. Randy Couture, a former UFC champion, reportedly once told fighters to “shackle ankles” and work on scrambling drills in order to neutralize the renowned Dagestani control.
Folkstyle wrestling, which focuses on escapes and reversals, is becoming a popular way to practice against Combat Sambo’s top-heavy style. Fighters like Justin Gaethje have used these moves to stop takedowns and hurt their opponents when they are striking.
Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov
UFC 311 served as a prime example of testing the Dagestani style. Merab Dvalishvili, the bantamweight champion, defended his title against Umar Nurmagomedov, a Dagestani prodigy who had never lost a fight and was 18–0 going into the match.
Umar maintained his composure for the first several rounds by striking accurately and defending against takedowns. But as the struggle went on, Merab’s speed took over. Merab secured takedowns in rounds three through five, marking the first time Umar had ever been taken down in the UFC.
Merab broke the UFC’s all-time takedown record with 91 total takedowns in his career, even though he had a leg infection and back problems. Umar was unable to handle his constant pressure and cardio, and the judges unanimously declared that Merab won by scores of 48–47, 48–47, and 49–46.
This victory demonstrated that breaking the Dagestani system requires more than just a single punch. It requires intense pressure and consistent conditioning over time.
What Made Merab’s Game Plan Work?
Merab employed a combination of techniques, blending aggressive wrestling with exceptional endurance. He didn’t give Umar any time to rest. His constant feints, changes in level, and mobility made things crazy.
Umar significantly slowed down during rounds four and five. Merab took advantage of the situation by controlling the fight and keeping Umar on the defensive. Analysts and competitors both praised the win, with Joe Rogan calling it one of the best bantamweight fights ever.
It was also a strong hint that the Dagestani style is no longer invincible.
How to Beat Dagestani Fighters in MMA: Key Counter Strategies
So what’s the recipe for beating Dagestani-style fighters in the UFC?
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Relentless Conditioning: Fighters must train for 25 minutes of pressure. Without world-class cardio, resistance will crumble.
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Folkstyle Techniques: American wrestlers who understand scrambles and escapes have the tools to neutralize the Dagestani top game.
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Early Patience, Late Pressure: Fighters like Merab pace themselves early, then dominate late rounds when Dagestani fighters often fade under pressure.
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Balanced Striking and Movement: Smart striking can bait Dagestani fighters into failed shots, which opens up counters.
Is the Dagestani Style Still Dominant in UFC?
We now know what the Dagestani style of MMA is. Fighters like Merab Dvalishvili have shown how to fight back against it by putting pressure on it, keeping up the pace, and not giving up. But just because you beat one Dagestani doesn’t imply the system is no longer useful. Islam Makhachev, Magomed Ankalaev, and others are still in charge.
We are still in a new phase in the UFC. Now, opponents have a plan. Fighters are not just weathering Dagestani pressure; they are also starting to beat it. That doesn’t mean Dagestani domination is over, but it does mean they can’t use the element of surprise anymore.
As the UFC changes, so do its champions. The Dagestanis can be beaten, but as of the present day, they are still among the world’s greatest.
