Yaroslav Amosov possesses a significant advantage over Islam Makhachev, according to an individual who has trained closely with the former. This combatant in question is Daniil Donchenko, who refines his skills alongside numerous championship-level athletes at Syndicate MMA. Merab Dvalishvili is certainly a prominent figure at the gym. However, Yaroslav Amosov also trains there, and he notably assisted in Donchenko’s corner for his most recent UFC appearance.
While discussing the high-caliber individuals he collaborates with and evaluating the leading welterweight contenders currently in the UFC, Donchenko commented [in an interview with Bowks Talking Bouts],
“Certainly, John Wood, my primary coach at Syndicate, is a top coach. He’s got a lot of physical strength, but he’s also very intelligent, you know [chuckles]. He’s a brilliant, astute coach, and I really enjoy the atmosphere at Syndicate [MMA]. I appreciate the vigor of this gym and John Wood’s dynamic presence. He’s intelligent, clever, and pleasant. That positive energy is paramount. And then there’s Yaroslav Amosov, a former Bellator champion, destined to be a UFC champion. This individual, he’s just… unique.”
“The public will grasp this shortly. Currently, they’re merely posting remarks like, ‘Oh, Makhachev can easily defeat him.’ However, one assertion I can make is that Yaroslav Amosov possesses significantly superior wrestling and grappling abilities compared to Islam Makhachev, and even Khamzat Chimaev. So, just grant this fighter sufficient time and contests, and he will demonstrate his capability. He doesn’t require five or six matches before contending for the title. Provide him with one more fight, then the title shot; he’s prepared. This specific matchup is the only logical one for me because Yaroslav is the sole fighter capable of defending against Islam and initiating takedowns on him.”
Donchenko Suggests Yaroslav Amosov and Another Key Contender Pose the Stiffest Challenges for Islam Makhachev in the UFC
Elucidating his reasoning for considering a confrontation between Yaroslav Amosov and Islam Makhachev the premier contest feasible in the UFC’s 170-pound division, while also considering other notable athletes in the weight class, Donchenko remarked [to Bowks Talking Bouts],
“Therefore, this specific bout is the only one I find compelling, as other matchups in this division aren’t genuinely competitive. This is due to the lack of fighters possessing comparable wrestling and grappling prowess. Perhaps only [Michael] Morales would present an intriguing challenge against Islam, given Morales’s increased probability of success owing to his knockout power. Consequently, circumstances can shift at any instant.”
“However, other fighters in the division, such as Kamaru [Usman] and the rest, do not possess this caliber of wrestling. Shavkat Rakhmonov might, but we are aware he is currently sidelined with an injury. Thus, the only truly engaging contests against Makhachev would involve Ilia Topuria and Yaroslav Amosov.”
