‘Golden Eagle?’ ‘Bratha?’ UFC fans are getting creative with nicknames for champion Islam Makhachev, who surprisingly doesn't have one of his own.
Dan Hiergesell, a seasoned MMA aficionado and weekend editor for MMAmania.com, has been immersed in the world of mixed martial arts for over 15 years. He has lent his expertise to various platforms, including the well-known Countdown to UFC and SiriusXM Fight Club.
Islam Makhachev is undoubtedly a rising star in the realm of combat sports, earning recognition as the top pound-for-pound fighter in MMA today. Interestingly, despite his impressive accolades, he has yet to adopt a catchy nickname that many fighters use to enhance their persona and connect with fans on a deeper level.
In the dynamic landscape of MMA, having a unique moniker isn't just common; it's almost essential. Nicknames not only help fighters distinguish themselves from their peers but also create opportunities for fans to forge a stronger bond with them. Icons like Jon "Bones" Jones, Anderson "The Spider" Silva, Fedor "The Last Emperor" Emelianenko, and Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson are prime examples of champions whose nicknames are instantly recognizable.
Even Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev's mentor and predecessor, was famously known as "The Eagle" throughout his illustrious career.
Recently, Makhachev celebrated a remarkable victory with a decisive decision win over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, which secured him the undisputed welterweight title. With this victory, he extended his winning streak to an impressive 16 fights in the Octagon, tying him with the UFC record and solidifying his place among the organization’s elite fighters. Yet still, Makhachev remains without a nickname, contrasting with many of his legendary contemporaries.
Fortunately, MMA fans are known for their creativity and humor. Just this past Saturday, the conversation shifted to what nickname would suit Makhachev best. Fans quickly chimed in with a plethora of suggestions—some clever, others quite amusing. Here’s a list of potential nicknames that were proposed:
- "Bratha"
- "The GOAT"
- "The Beagle"
- "Islam Makhachev"
- "Golden Eagle"
- "Take Him Down"
- "The D’Arce Knight"
- "Topuria’s Son"
- "No Escape"
- "Legend Killer"
- "Hug Man"
What do you think of these options? Would you pick any of these names for Makhachev, or do you have a more fitting one in mind? Let's hear your thoughts!
