Former UFC heavyweight champion reveals how Islam Makhachev stunned him in sparring

Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has revealed that Islam Makhachev used to stun him during sparring sessions at American Kickboxing Academy. Speaking on the Shawn Ryan Show, Velasquez praised Makhachev's striking ability and overall skill, noting that Makhachev managed to land surprising shots despite a weight difference of around 90 pounds between the two fighters.

Makhachev initially trained at AKA alongside Khabib Nurmagomedov under head coach Javier Mendez, sharing sparring rounds with champions including Luke Rockhold and Daniel Cormier. The report also highlights Makhachev's accomplishments in the UFC, where he defended the lightweight title before moving up to defeat Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight belt.