On July 17 we are getting what should be a very entertaining lightweight fight between Islam Makhachev vs. Thiago Moises at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Islam Makhachev is widely regarded as the second coming of Khabib Nurmagomedov, and he could be contending for a title soon. Training out of Eagles MMA / American Kickboxing Academy, Makhachev dominated his opponents during his time at M1-Global and now he’s ninth in the UFC lightweight rankings.

Makhachev is 8-1 in the UFC and he’s won his last seven fights. He submitted Drew Dober with an arm triangle choke in the third round at UFC 259 on March 6 and he also has wins against Chris Wade, Nik Lentz, Gleison Tibau, Kajan Johnson, Arman Tsarukyan and Davi Ramos as part of his current streak.

Born: September 27, 1991

Age: 29

Country: Russia

Height: 5’10″

Weight: 155 lbs

Reach: 70″

Stance: Southpaw

Association: Eagles MMA / American Kickboxing Academy

Class: Lightweight

Record: 19-1

Thiago Moises reached the UFC roster following an impressive Dana White Contender Series knockout win in the first round against Gleidson Moraes Cutis on August 11, 2018 and he then lost by unanimous decision against Beneil Dariush and Damir Ismagulov, two of the division’s most talented fighters. He’s been flawless outside of those losses and he has plenty of knockout power.

Moises has won four of his last five fights, including his last three. He beat Alexander Hernandez by unanimous decision at UFC Vegas 20 on February 27 and he also has wins against Kurt Holobaugh, Michael Johnson and Bobby Green in the UFC. He deserves credit for accepting a fight against one of the promotion’s most intriguing prospects. Top 10 fighters have ducked Makhachev at all costs and you have to love Moises’ confidence.

Born: March 23, 1995

Age: 26

Country: Brazil

Height: 5’9″

Weight: 155 lbs

Reach: 70″

Stance: Orthodox

Association: American Top Team

Class: Lightweight

Record: 15-4