Mental health is a huge talking point in today’s world, particularly in Western societies. However, in certain countries that have a history of conflict like Dagestan, Chechyan, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, the aspect of day-to-day survival and hardships of life trump conversations about mental health and its impact on the functioning of society. So it was no surprise that UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev was actually clueless when streamer Adin Ross was trauma-dumping on him.

A month ago, Islam Makhachev was invited to an interview with streamer Adin Ross. At some point in the interview, Ross shared a harrowing story from when he was 12 years old. He said, “So I wanna know like like this is when I was like 12. In my sleep, I got stabbed. But like obviously like I’m way past that. It was by a family member who was on some meth like my uncle. But like, obviously I use that to like I went through something traumatic super young. So I wanna know like have you gone through something like super traumatic?”

Makhachev was a little taken aback by the questionand then answered with a resolute “no, no, no, no, never, no”. He said since UFC (and the sport of MMA) has a structured way of fighting with a prescribed ruleset, he does “use his trauma” as fuel to win his fights. Of course, what Makhachev is also alluding to, is the fact that his fighting approach is forged through discipline and a strict religious code that removes any scope for distractions. He said that he always controls his emotions inside the octagon and tries to be focused.

According to the handle that uploaded the clip from the Adin Live YouTube channel, the caption read, “[His] manager brought him to this interview without his knowledge.” Whether Makhachev was brought to the interview without his knowledge is a conversation for another day.

Regardless, Islam Makhachev‘s native Dagestan has a history of conflict, dating back to the 1800s in what was the Russian invasion of Chechnya and Dagestan, also known as the Murid War. Then, in 1999, the country saw conflict again with a second invasion, this time by the Russian Federation. Needless to say, the region saw an incredible loss of life, which explains why fighters from that region rely on religion and martial arts to give them direction.

Not just war, but the geography of countries such as Dagestan and Chechnya—the rough and rigid terrain, coupled with harsh mountain life—toughens up fighters to a degree that provides the perfect conditions for a fighting mindset. So, it’s no wonder that fighters from these regions are incredibly strong as well. Just ask Adin Ross, who put himself in one of Islam Makhachev’s chokeholds. 

Adin Ross in a world of pain trying to choke Islam Makhachev

Adin Ross got a taste of what Islam Makhachev’s opponents experience inside the Octagon when they step in there with him. The popular streamer is no stranger to training as he was seen sparring with Sean O’Malley. But this was a session with the Dagestani champion, so it wasn’t exactly what the average person would call a light session. Not for Adin Ross, at least.

Makhachev gave Adin Ross a chance to submit him with a rear-naked choke. However, rather than choking the UFC champion out, Ross saw the whole incident flip, and his foot got trapped between Makhachev’s legs, which forced him to shout in pain. “How are your legs so strong?” said a stunned Adin Ross, wincing as Makhachev kept smiling.

The lightweight champ cleverly turned the tables on Ross by moving his leg over Ross’ crossed legs. Basically, when you take someone’s back, it’s not advisable to have your feet crossed, as your opponent can lock your ankle and break it by placing their leg over your locked configuration.

What we’re saying is—it’s not advisable to put yourself in a position where you don’t know what you’re doing with a trained fighter. Just ask popular influencer Sneako. Anyway, what are your thoughts on Islam Makhchev’s and Adin Ross’ interaction? Let us know in the comments down below.