Get ready to be amazed—Islam Makhachev might just be rewriting the rulebook on submission techniques in MMA. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is his latest innovation, the ‘Oxygen Cylinder’ choke, a game-changer or a gray area in the sport’s rules? Let’s dive in.
Islam Makhachev, widely regarded as one of the greatest UFC fighters of all time, is no stranger to pushing boundaries. Known for his relentless ground game and record-breaking lightweight title defenses, Makhachev has submitted some of the biggest names in the sport, including Dustin Poirier, Renato Moicano, and Charles Oliveira. But now, as he prepares for his highly anticipated UFC comeback, he’s adding a new weapon to his arsenal—a submission move that’s sparking debate across the MMA community.
In a recent training video from Dagestan, Makhachev unveiled the ‘Oxygen Cylinder,’ a head-and-arm choke that involves applying pressure to the opponent’s pelvis while covering their mouth. The move is undeniably effective, as seen when he forced a teammate to tap out almost instantly. And this is the part most people miss: While the technique isn’t technically illegal under the current Unified Rules, it toes the line between innovation and foul play. The key? Makhachev avoids inserting his fingers into the mouth (a banned ‘fish hook’ technique), focusing instead on pressure and positioning.
When asked about the move, Makhachev casually remarked, ‘It’s not new, I’ve caught some people with it already.’ His teammate, who fell victim to the choke, explained that the combination of pelvic pressure and mouth coverage makes it nearly impossible to escape. But is this move crossing the line? Fans and experts are divided. Some argue it’s a brilliant innovation, while others worry it could lead to dangerous interpretations in the octagon.
Here’s the bigger question: Has Makhachev’s UFC legacy already surpassed that of his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov? Khabib is often hailed as the UFC’s GOAT, but Makhachev’s two-weight dominance and constant evolution might just dethrone him. Which fighter do you rate higher—the undefeated legend or the two-division trailblazer? Let us know in the comments.
For now, Makhachev’s ‘Oxygen Cylinder’ remains a topic of hot debate. AI analysis suggests it’s legal, but the MMA community is split. Is this the future of submissions, or a step too far? Join the conversation and share your thoughts below. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more exclusive insights into the world of MMA!
