Islam Makhachev shares unfiltered first reaction to custom-made shorts for UFC 311 fight against Arman Tsarukyan: "This is Dagestan mountains"

Islam Makhachev shared his unfiltered reaction to his custom-made fight shorts ahead of his all-important showdown against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311. The UFC lightweight champion pointed out the finer details in the attire that he will don during the much-awaited matchup.

Makhachev bested Tsarukyan via unanimous decision in a closely contested contest back in April 2019. That was a three-round non-title bout. Their upcoming rematch, with Makhachev being the reigning UFC lightweight champion, will be a championship fight scheduled for five rounds.

The lightweight title match headlines UFC 311 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, U.S.A., on Jan. 18, 2025. As seen in a YouTube Shorts video posted to the UFC's official channel, Makhachev appears to have received customized fight shorts for the upcoming fight.

In addition to fulfilling his obligation of signing official UFC posters for the fans, Makhachev also chimed in with his reaction to his custom-made shorts. The veteran fighter, who hails from Dagestan, Russia, indicated that the image of one of the mountains featured on the shorts was Mount Pabaku.

The 33-year-old also acknowledged what looked like an image of a Dagestani dagger, generally referred to as a 'Khanjali' aka 'Kindjal,' on the shorts. The belief is that it could be a depiction of one of the various daggers, knives, or swords from the Caucasus region, of which Dagestan is an integral part.

Makhachev stated:

"This is Dagestan mountains. It's called 'Pabaku.' And this is knife... Look very nice."

An individual, seemingly not seen in the video's frame at the time, asked Makhachev whether he had designed the shorts. The lightweight kingpin responded that he'd contributed his ideas toward crafting the shorts, alongside his manager Rizvan Magomedov. Makhachev said:

"Yeah. We make this with Rizvan."

Watch Makhachev's reaction below:

---

Islam Makhachev and his training partners' close bond with the Dagestani mountains

Back in 2024, Islam Makhachev reportedly participated in the filming of a documentary, training in an MMA cage set with the backdrop of the mountains of Dagestan. Makhachev has long been a friend and training partner to retired MMA great, former UFC lightweight champion and fellow Dagestan native Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Fighters like Makhachev, Khabib, UFC bantamweight contender Umar Nurmagomedov, Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov, and many more are known to proudly represent the Dagestan region.

The consensus is that training in Dagestan's high-altitude areas boosts fitness, and the miscellaneous challenges posed by the geography instill mental toughness.

Islam Makhachev is often involved in offroading adventures and hikes, traveling in Dagestan and beyond. The UFC star has gained considerable praise for his adventurous side, which also includes dirt biking.

In 2023, Makhachev posted a few videos on Instagram of Dagestan's magnificent Pereval Lakazani Pass; lightheartedly grappling, riding his bike, and having a great time. He captioned the post:

"It was an unforgettable trip to Lakazani Pass." (translated)

Check out Islam Makhachev's post, featuring his statement and videos, below: