The authenticity of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts has become a topic of heated debate, thanks to the bold statements made by UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. The Dagestani grappling phenom has ignited a firestorm of controversy by questioning the legitimacy of some BJJ black belts held by UFC stars in the past.
According to UFC legend Chael Sonnen, Makhachev’s verbal jab at BJJ black belt holders was a calculated “heel move,” a provocative tactic often employed by antagonists in professional wrestling to garner attention and stir emotions among fans. Sonnen praised Makhachev’s ability to generate buzz with his controversial statements.
“Islam Makhachev is one of the greatest heels in this sport. Islam said there’s too many black belts in the sport, I cannot believe…a lot of people need to give their black belts back,” Sonnen said on his channel.
Makhachev’s comments were initially directed at Dustin Poirier, whose granby roll against Charles Oliveira at UFC 269 drew criticism from the Dagestani grappler. According to Makhachev, a true BJJ black belt would not have committed such a mistake.
Even BJJ icon and ADCC silver medalist Craig Jones agreed with Makhachev’s position, stating that “a lot of competitors in the UFC need to lose their black belts.”
In a new clip, Makhachev further elaborated on his stance, questioning the legitimacy of belts given to Tony Ferguson, Paddy Pimblett and of course, Poirier.
Ferguson has been a 10th planet black belt for years. Pimblett has been a BJJ black belt since he was 21. Both have notable wins via submission. Pimblett submitted Bobby Green (who hadn’t been submitted in close to a decade). Ferguson notably triangled Kevin Lee in his hayday with a wrong side triangle.
“He is not a real black belt. I work with black belts, real black belts; it’s so tough. For the fighters, they get a gift… Some don’t deserve it.” – Makhachev went in on Ferguson on Hohseh MMA.
While Makhachev’s comments have ruffled feathers in the BJJ community, his grappling prowess is undeniable. Khabib Nurmagomedov, his longtime training partner and mentor, has boasted about Makhachev submitting ADCC champions and top-level grapplers in training sessions. The talent in question, is likely Yuri Simoes.
“Yeah, because I know like we grew up together like all our life, and I see how Islam go go with a lot of ADCC level guys even with ADCC champions – they tap.” – Khabib told media a while back as per calfkicker.
“They tap when when they grapple with Islam. I see 88 kilo 99 kilo 77 kilo – I don’t want to say name but they tap – ADCC world champion, you know,”
As Makhachev continues his reign as the UFC lightweight champion, his criticism of the BJJ black belt system has added an extra layer of intrigue and controversy to his already captivating persona within the sport.
