Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev, born September 27, 1991, in Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia, is a mixed martial artist competing in the UFC's lightweight division, where he is the reigning champion. Trained by the legendary Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Makhachev is known for his exceptional grappling and combat sambo skills, which earned him a World Combat Sambo Championship. He trains at the American Kickboxing Academy alongside Khabib Nurmagomedov. Makhachev made his UFC debut in 2015 and quickly rose through the ranks, praised for his elite grappling skills. As of December 2024, he is ranked as the #1 fighter in the UFC's pound-for-pound standings.

Early Life and Career

Islam Makhachev started his combat sports journey at his home village of Burshi, Dagestan, where he trained in Combat Sambo under the mentorship of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Makhachev had a successful Sambo Career, became the Russian National Champion four times, won a gold medal at the 2016 FIAS World Combat Sambo Championship, and became the World Combat Sambo Federation World Champion.

Makhachaev started his MMA journey in 2010 while still being an active Sambo competitive. He made his debut at Tsumada Fighting Championship 4 against Magomed Bekbolatov, which he won unanimously.

He then signed with M-1 and debuted at the M-1 Selection Ukraine 2010 Finals against Tengiz Khuchua. Islam KO'ed Tengiz in the second round and built on this momentum as he won his next 9-fights in the Russian MMA circuit, with 4 wins coming in M-1. Makhachev left M-1 in 2014 to join the UFC.

Islam Makhachev Personal Life

Makhachev, born on September 27, 1991, in Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia, hails from a devout Muslim family. Growing up in the rugged mountains of Dagestan, he was raised in a culture that values discipline, respect, and strong community bonds. Makhachev began his combat training at a young age, inspired by his close friend and training partner, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Both were mentored by Khabib's father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who instilled in them rigorous training regimens and a deep understanding of martial arts.

Islam Makhachev Social Media

Islam Makhachev has social media accounts on Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter). Makhachev's Instagram page is filled with posts of his training montages, fight promotions, physique updates, sponsorship endorsements, and family. He boasts an impressive follower count of over 9 million on Instagram and over 5,000 on X.

Islam Makhachev Net Worth

As of December 2024, Islam Makhachev's net worth is approximately $6 million, primarily stemming from his successful career in the UFC and various endorsement agreements.

Also Read: Islam Makhachev Net Worth

Islam Makhachev Record

Islam Makhachev holds a professional MMA record of 26 wins and 1 loss (26-1-0). His victories include 5 knockouts, 12 submissions, and 9 decisions. Makhachev's only loss in MMA came against Adriano Martins in 2015.

Islam Makhachev UFC Career

Makhachev made his UFC debut against Leo Kuntz at UFC 187 and won in the second round via rear-naked choke submission. After this, he faced Adriano Martins at UC 192 and got his first loss in professional MMA, as Martins finished him in the first round via KO(punch). He defeated Chris Wade and Nik Lentz via a unanimous decision to regain momentum. Makhachev won his next 4-fights in the UFC before getting a main-event headliner fight against Thiago Moises at UFC on ESPN: Makhachev vs. Moises. Makhachev outclassed Thiago Moises on the ground to pick up a dominating fourth-round rear-naked choke submission victory. Makhachev fought Dan Hooker at UFC 267 and defeated him via first-round kimura submission to extend his winning streak to 9 wins.

On October 22, 2022, Makhachev won the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship by defeating Charles Oliveira at UFC 280, earning a Performance of the Night bonus. He defended his title against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 in February 2023, winning by unanimous decision and earning Fight of the Night honors. He won their rematch at UFC 294 by first-round knockout, securing another Performance of the Night award. Makhachev defended his title against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 on June 1, 2024.

Islam Makhachev Most Popular Fights

Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 1

Islam Makhachev faced Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 on February 12, 2023, in a bout for the UFC Lightweight Championship. Makhachev won the fight via unanimous decision after five closely contested rounds. The fight showcased Makhachev's underrated striking skills and Volkanovski's grappling and resilience.

Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira

Islam Makhachev (23-1) seized the UFC's 155-pound championship by submitting Charles Oliveira (33-9) at UFC 280 inside Etihad Arena. The finish came at 3:16 of the second round via arm triangle choke. Charles Oliveira, who saw an 11-fight win streak snapped, tapped to the choke after he was dropped by a right hand.

Islam Makhachev vs. Bobby Green

Makhachev entered the cage quickly; he looked pretty confident, considering his last 9 match streak wins. On the other side, Green joined the cell, gathering some confidence. As soon as the Fight started, Makhachev checked his leg kick on Green, making Green uncomfortable with his moves. Makhachev started dominating the Fight as Green could not defend against Makhachev's punches and kicks. Makhachev came on the whole mount with reasonable top control and took down Green via TKO(points).

Islam Makhachev vs. Dan Hooker

Islam Makhachev fought Dan Hooker at UFC 267. Islam dominated Hooker and took him down inside the first minute and proceeded to establish ground control and locked in a tight kimura submission that forced Hooker to submit. Islam jumped to #4 in the UFC Lightweight rankings after this victory.