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TGIFighting: The Next Khabib? Islam Makhachev Targets Lightweight Division

Welcome back to TGIFighting, where we talk to top fighters, preview the weekend's combat sports action and make crotchety observations about the MMA news of the day. Ready? Let's go!

B/R Exclusive: The Next Khabib? Islam Makhachev Has Sights on Lightweight Division

Islam Makhachev isn't quite sure how many rounds he's sparred with Khabib Nurmadomedov, but he's got a rough estimate.

"More than a thousand."

Simply put, Makhachev is a monster. The 29-year-old Dagestani Russian (19-1) has long been favorably compared with teammate and mentor Nurmagomedov (29-0), who happens to be every normal person's pick for the best lightweight in MMA history.