Controversial MMA figure Dillon Danis has unleashed a vicious verbal assault on UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev just weeks before his title defense at UFC 317 on June 28, branding him a “Khabib wannabe” and claiming, “He’s nothing without Khabib!” The explosive comments, made during a fiery Instagram Live session on May 7, have sent shockwaves through the MMA community, reigniting debates about Makhachev’s legacy as he prepares to face Ilia Topuria.

Danis’ Merciless Takedown

Never one to shy away from controversy, Danis, a former Bellator fighter known more for his trash talk than his in-cage success, didn’t hold back in his scathing critique of Makhachev (27-1). “Islam’s a fraud—he’s nothing without Khabib holding his hand!” Danis shouted, pacing in front of his camera. “Take Khabib out of the picture, and Islam’s just another guy. Khabib made him, and he’ll never be half the champ Khabib was. He’s riding coattails!” Danis’ attack targeted Makhachev’s close relationship with his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, who cornered him during his rise to the lightweight title and remains a key figure in his camp.

Danis, who has a history of targeting high-profile fighters like Conor McGregor, doubled down by mocking Makhachev’s resume. “He beat a washed-up Charles Oliveira and a featherweight in Volkanovski—big deal,” Danis sneered. “Let’s see him fight without Khabib whispering in his ear every round. He’d crumble.” The comments come as Makhachev prepares to defend his belt against the brash Ilia Topuria, who’s already stirred the pot with his own trash talk, making this one of the most heated buildups in recent UFC history.

The Context of the Controversy

Makhachev, who claimed the lightweight title in 2022 and has since defended it four times, including a first-round submission of Renato Moicano in January 2025, has often been compared to Khabib, who retired undefeated at 29-0. While Makhachev has carved out his own legacy with a 14-fight win streak, critics like Danis point to Khabib’s influence as the driving force behind his success. Khabib’s presence in Makhachev’s corner, along with their shared Dagestani training roots, has fueled the narrative that Makhachev is a product of Khabib’s system rather than a standalone star.

The MMA community has erupted in response to Danis’ comments. Fans on social media are divided, with some agreeing, as one X post stated, “Danis might be a clown, but he’s got a point—Islam’s always in Khabib’s shadow.” Others defended Makhachev, with another user writing, “Islam’s beaten better guys than Danis ever will—he’s a champ, not a wannabe.” Makhachev, for his part, has yet to respond directly, though sources close to his camp told MMA Junkie he’s “focused on Topuria, not irrelevant noise.”

What’s Next for UFC 317?

Danis’ attack has added a new layer of intrigue to Makhachev’s title defense against Topuria, who’s riding a wave of confidence after moving up from featherweight. With Khabib expected to be in Makhachev’s corner as always, the champ will have a chance to prove he’s more than just “Khabib’s protege” by silencing Topuria in the octagon. Whether Danis’ words will get under Makhachev’s skin or fuel his fire remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: UFC 317 just got a lot spicier, and the lightweight king has a point to prove now more than ever.