Makhachev has a unique perspective on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) black belts in the UFC: Islam Makhachev Takes Away BJJ Black Belts From Several High-Level Fighters

Islam Makhachev

Few topics spark as much debate as grappling credentials in MMA, and as such, Islam Makhachev has stirred the pot again. Known for his dominant ground game, Makhachev has a unique perspective on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) black belts in the UFC. His recent comments have sent ripples to the MMA community, leaving fans and fighters buzzing.

In a conversation with Hosheh MMA, Makhachev playfully removed several fighters’ BJJ black belt status. He praised some, like Tom Aspinall and Aljamain Sterling, for their grappling prowess. However, others weren’t so lucky. Makhachev downgraded several high-profile fighters for their BJJ skills.

“Yeah [Tom Aspinall]…Yeah keep…[Aljamain Sterling] Yeah. [Dustin Poirier] Brown [Paddy Pimblett] Him…Brown, maybe. [Tony Ferguson] Ferguson. No, he don’t have black, he has couple good things on the ground, but he is not real black belt….Some of them not deserve, [for] some, coach just gift them,” said Makhachev.

This isn’t the first time Makhachev has questioned BJJ credentials in the UFC. After submitting Charles Oliveira, he famously doubted the validity of some fighters’ black belts. It seems Makhachev’s stance hasn’t changed, even as his own reputation grows.

Interestingly, Makhachev himself doesn’t hold a BJJ black belt. Yet, his grappling dominance is undeniable. He’s a black belt in Judo and a Combat Sambo world champion. Perhaps this diverse background gives him a unique perspective on ground fighting.

Alex Pereira Surprisingly Gets His Black Belt At UFC 300 After A Knockout Victory

The UFC light heavyweight champion recently stirred up controversy in the MMA world. The Brazilian fighter received his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), but this was under very unorthodox circumstances, as this achievement comes on the heels of his knockout victory at UFC 300.

Pereira’s journey to the black belt has raised eyebrows among fans and fellow fighters alike. Known primarily for his devastating striking, the former kickboxer only transitioned to MMA in 2015. His rapid ascent through the BJJ ranks has left many scratching their heads. Moreover, he hasn’t had a single submission victory in his entire career.

The situation becomes even more intriguing when compared to other MMA veterans. Take Demetrious Johnson, for instance. The former UFC flyweight champion has been in the game for years. His ground game is widely respected, yet he still doesn’t hold a black belt. This event with Pereira cements Makhachev’s words that these once revered black belts are now just gifts from the coaches.