Who Was Islam Makhachev?

Islam Ramazanovich Makhachev is a highly acclaimed Russian professional mixed martial artist, currently holding the prestigious title of UFC Welterweight Champion and formerly the UFC Lightweight Champion. Born on October 27, 1991, in Makhachkala, Dagestan, he has risen to become one of the most dominant figures in the sport, recognized globally for his exceptional skills and relentless fighting style. As of late 2025, he holds the top spot in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings, a testament to his unparalleled success across multiple weight classes.

Makhachev's fighting philosophy is deeply rooted in the Dagestani wrestling tradition, a style he honed under the tutelage of the legendary coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, father of his close friend and mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov. This background has equipped him with an elite grappling game, characterized by suffocating top control, powerful takedowns, and precise submissions. While his grappling is his primary weapon, Makhachev has also developed a formidable striking arsenal, making him a well-rounded and dangerous opponent in any phase of a fight.

Beyond his UFC accolades, Makhachev is also a decorated combat sambo practitioner, having earned a Combat Sambo World Championship in 2016 and two Russian national titles. This foundation in sambo, a Russian martial art and combat sport, further underscores his mastery of wrestling and submission techniques. His journey from a small Dagestani village to the pinnacle of mixed martial arts is a story of unwavering dedication, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence.

His career is marked by an impressive list of achievements, including setting multiple UFC records such as the longest winning streak in UFC history and becoming only the eleventh fighter to achieve double-champion status. Makhachev's quiet confidence and methodical approach to fighting have earned him respect from fans and peers alike, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport's all-time greats. He continues to inspire a new generation of fighters, particularly from his native Dagestan, by exemplifying the power of hard work and strategic preparation.

Early Life and Background

Islam Ramazanovich Makhachev was born on October 27, 1991, in Makhachkala, the capital city of the Republic of Dagestan, a federal subject of Russia. He belongs to the Lak ethnic group, one of the indigenous peoples of the North Caucasus. His early childhood was spent in the remote mountain village of Burshi, a place that instilled in him a strong sense of community, resilience, and the rugged spirit characteristic of the region.

Makhachev's family life was modest but supportive. His father worked as a tomato farmer and a driver, while his mother managed the household and ran a small café. He has an older brother named Kurbanismail, with whom he shared the experiences of growing up in a close-knit Dagestani community. The cultural environment of Dagestan, known for its rich martial arts tradition and a prevalence of physical challenges, played a significant role in shaping Islam's early development.

From a young age, Makhachev was introduced to combat sports. At just seven years old, he began practicing taekwondo under the guidance of Seyfula Magomedov, a highly decorated champion in the sport. This early exposure to martial arts laid the groundwork for his future career. Later, while attending school, he transitioned to sanda, a Chinese kickboxing style, where he met future MMA stars like Abubakar Nurmagomedov and, crucially, Khabib Nurmagomedov, along with their family.

Despite his early engagement in combat sports, there was a brief period when Makhachev stepped away from martial arts. After his family moved to a different town, he took a two-year break to play soccer. However, the culture of constant physical confrontation and street fights, common among boys in Dagestan, meant that he was never truly far from competitive combat. This environment, where adults often encouraged boys to test their mettle against each other, fostered a natural inclination towards fighting.

His return to combat sports was spurred by his connection to the Nurmagomedov family. He initially trained in freestyle wrestling for a year, a foundational discipline in Dagestan. However, upon learning that Khabib Nurmagomedov was already pursuing a professional career in mixed martial arts, Islam made the pivotal decision to switch to MMA. He began training under the legendary Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who would become a profound mentor and father figure in his life. Makhachev had been a fan of the UFC since childhood, admiring fighters like Tank Abbott and Ken Shamrock, which further fueled his ambition to compete at the highest level.

Education and Formative Years

While dedicating himself to the rigorous demands of martial arts training, Islam Makhachev also pursued formal education. He attended Dagestan State University, where he studied Physical Education and Sports. This academic pursuit complemented his athletic development, providing him with a deeper understanding of human physiology, training methodologies, and sports science, which would prove invaluable in his professional career.

During his formative years, balancing intense training with academic responsibilities and the need to support himself was a significant challenge. Makhachev took on a job as a security guard to make ends meet. Remarkably, his employer recognized his potential and dedication to martial arts. This understanding boss allowed Islam to train during work hours and even continued to pay his salary when he was away for competitions and training camps, demonstrating crucial support that enabled him to focus on his athletic aspirations.

A significant part of Makhachev's formative athletic development came through his success in combat sambo. In February 2014, he achieved a major milestone by winning the -74 kg division at the Russian National Combat Sambo Championship. This victory not only earned him national recognition but also qualified him to represent Russia at the world championship in Japan. However, his participation was unexpectedly halted when a heart condition was discovered, requiring immediate treatment and forcing him to withdraw from the competition.

Undeterred, Makhachev continued his training and recovery. His perseverance paid off in 2016 when he once again triumphed in the -74 kg division at the Russian National Combat Sambo Championship, securing his second national title and another opportunity to compete on the global stage. This time, he seized the moment, going on to win the gold medal at the 2016 World Combat Sambo Championship. In the finals, he delivered a dominant performance, defeating Valentin Benishev of Bulgaria with a decisive 7–0 score, showcasing his elite grappling and control skills to the world.

These achievements in combat sambo were not just personal victories; they were crucial steps in building the foundation for his mixed martial arts career. The discipline, technique, and competitive experience gained from sambo provided him with a robust skill set that would later translate seamlessly into the UFC octagon. His ability to overcome health setbacks and return stronger demonstrated a mental fortitude that would become a hallmark of his professional fighting career.

Career and Major Works

Islam Makhachev's professional mixed martial arts career began in 2011, quickly establishing him as a formidable force. He started his journey in regional promotions, most notably M-1 Global, where he built an impressive undefeated record before catching the attention of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

M-1 Global Dominance (2011-2014)

Makhachev made his M-1 Global debut on February 12, 2011, against Tengiz Khuchua, securing a decisive first-round knockout victory. This early win signaled his potential and aggressive fighting style. He continued his winning streak, facing Mansour Barnaoui at M-1 Challenge 38 on April 9, 2013, where he earned a unanimous decision victory with dominant scores of 30–27 across all judges' cards, showcasing his control and endurance.

His next challenge came against the undefeated Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Rander Junio on August 21, 2013, at M-1 Challenge 41. Makhachev once again demonstrated his superior grappling and striking, winning via unanimous decision. He further solidified his reputation by dominating Yuri Ivlev at M-1 Challenge 49 on June 7, 2014, softening him with punches before finishing the fight with a submission via armbar, highlighting his versatile skill set.

In his final bout for M-1 Global before transitioning to the UFC, Makhachev faced Ivica Trušček on September 7, 2014. He secured another submission victory in the third round, capping off an undefeated run in the promotion. This flawless record in M-1 Global, characterized by a mix of knockouts, submissions, and dominant decisions, made him a highly sought-after prospect for the world's premier MMA organization.

Ultimate Fighting Championship - Lightweight Division (2014-2022)

On October 2, 2014, Islam Makhachev signed a four-fight contract with the UFC, marking a significant step in his career. He made his highly anticipated UFC debut on May 23, 2015, at UFC 187, where he submitted Leo Kuntz in the second round, immediately showcasing his elite grappling prowess on the biggest stage. However, his next fight on October 3, 2015, at UFC 192 against Adriano Martins, resulted in his first and only professional loss to date, a first-round knockout, a moment that served as a crucial learning experience.

A brief controversy arose in 2016 when Makhachev tested positive for meldonium in an out-of-competition drug screening, leading to the cancellation of a scheduled bout against Drew Dober. However, after a hearing, the USADA lifted his suspension in July 2016, determining that the drug was prescribed for a heart condition and was not used for performance enhancement. This incident, while challenging, ultimately cleared his name and allowed him to resume his career.

Makhachev then embarked on an extraordinary winning streak that would define his lightweight career. He secured unanimous decision victories over Chris Wade at UFC Fight Night 94 (September 17, 2016) and Nik Lentz at UFC 208 (February 11, 2017). After pulling out of a fight against Michel Prazeres for religious reasons, he returned with a bang at UFC 220 on January 20, 2018, knocking out Gleison Tibau in just 57 seconds of the first round, demonstrating his evolving striking power.

His grappling continued to shine as he submitted Kajan Johnson with an armbar at UFC on Fox 30 on July 28, 2018. A notable "Fight of the Night" performance came against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC Fight Night 149 on April 20, 2019, where he won a unanimous decision in a highly competitive bout that showcased both fighters' elite wrestling. He followed this with another unanimous decision victory over Davi Ramos at UFC 242 on September 7, 2019.

Despite several fight cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic and opponent injuries (including multiple attempts to fight Rafael dos Anjos), Makhachev maintained his momentum. He submitted Drew Dober with an arm-triangle choke at UFC 259 (March 6, 2021), Thiago Moisés with a rear-naked choke at UFC on ESPN 26 (July 17, 2021), and Dan Hooker with a kimura in the first round at UFC 267 (October 30, 2021). His final fight before his title shot was a dominant ground-and-pound TKO victory over Bobby Green at UFC Fight Night 202 (February 26, 2022), after Beneil Dariush withdrew due to injury. This victory extended his winning streak to 10, positioning him perfectly for a championship opportunity.

UFC Lightweight Champion (2022-2024)

Islam Makhachev's long-awaited title shot came on October 22, 2022, at UFC 280, where he faced Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship. In a masterful performance, Makhachev knocked down Oliveira with a punch and then secured an arm-triangle choke, forcing the tap in the second round. This victory crowned him the new UFC Lightweight Champion and earned him a "Performance of the Night" bonus, fulfilling a lifelong dream and continuing the legacy of his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov.

His first title defense was a highly anticipated super-fight against then-featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 on February 12, 2023. In a thrilling back-and-forth contest, Makhachev showcased his resilience and skill, winning a unanimous decision and successfully defending his belt against the pound-for-pound king. He then faced Charles Oliveira in a rematch at UFC 294 on October 21, 2023, where he delivered an even more dominant performance, winning via TKO in the first round.

Makhachev continued his reign with a third successful defense against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 on June 1, 2024. In a grueling five-round battle, he ultimately secured a D'Arce choke submission in the final round, further cementing his status as one of the most dominant lightweights in UFC history. His fourth defense came against Arman Tsarukyan in a highly anticipated rematch at UFC 308 on October 26, 2024, where he once again emerged victorious via unanimous decision, extending his lightweight winning streak to 14 fights.

UFC Welterweight Champion (2024-Present)

After his dominant run at lightweight, Islam Makhachev set his sights on becoming a two-division champion. He challenged Jack Della Maddalena for the UFC Welterweight Championship at UFC 322 on March 22, 2025. In a historic moment, Makhachev defeated Della Maddalena, becoming only the eleventh fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two different weight classes simultaneously. This achievement solidified his position as an elite, generational talent.

He successfully defended his newly acquired Welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 on July 19, 2025. This victory not only marked his first defense in the welterweight division but also extended his overall winning streak to an astonishing 17 fights, making it the longest winning streak in UFC history. Makhachev's ability to adapt and dominate across weight classes underscores his exceptional skill, strategic brilliance, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Key Achievements and Contributions

Islam Makhachev's career is adorned with a remarkable array of achievements and contributions that firmly establish him as one of the most significant figures in mixed martial arts history. His dominance spans across multiple disciplines and weight classes, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

Current UFC Welterweight Champion: As of late 2025, he holds the prestigious title in the 170-pound division.
Former UFC Lightweight Champion: He reigned supreme in the 155-pound division, successfully defending his title multiple times.
#1 in UFC Men's Pound-for-Pound Rankings: Recognized as the best fighter across all weight classes, a testament to his overall skill and dominance.
Longest Winning Streak in UFC History (17 fights): A monumental achievement, showcasing unparalleled consistency and superiority in the octagon.
Longest Winning Streak in UFC Lightweight Division (14 fights): A record that highlights his sustained excellence in one of the UFC's most competitive divisions.
Most Title-Fight Victories (5): Demonstrating his ability to perform under the highest pressure and consistently emerge victorious in championship bouts.
Most Successful Title Defenses (4) in Lightweight: Solidifying his reign as a dominant lightweight champion.
Highest Significant-Strike Accuracy (59.5%): An impressive statistic that underscores his precision and efficiency in striking exchanges, complementing his grappling.
Eleventh Double Champion in UFC History: A rare and elite accomplishment, joining a select group of fighters who have held two UFC titles simultaneously.
Combat Sambo World Champion (2016): A significant achievement in his amateur career, highlighting his foundational grappling expertise.
Two-time Russian National Combat Sambo Champion (2014, 2016): Further demonstrating his national-level dominance in sambo.
Performance of the Night (vs. Charles Oliveira): Awarded for his championship-winning performance at UFC 280.
Fight of the Night (vs. Arman Tsarukyan): Recognized for his thrilling and competitive bout against a top contender.
Order "For Merit to the Republic of Dagestan" (November 2022): A civilian award from his home republic, acknowledging his achievements and bringing honor to his region.

Makhachev's fighting style is a significant contribution to the sport, embodying the pinnacle of the Dagestani wrestling and sambo approach adapted for MMA. His ability to seamlessly blend elite wrestling, suffocating top control, precise submissions, and increasingly effective striking makes him a truly complete fighter. He consistently demonstrates high fight IQ, strategic patience, and relentless pressure, breaking down opponents round by round.

His career also represents a continuation and evolution of the legacy established by his mentor, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, and his close friend, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Makhachev has not only carried the torch but has also added his unique chapter to the story of Dagestani dominance in MMA. His quiet, disciplined demeanor outside the cage, coupled with his ferocious efficiency inside it, serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes globally, particularly those from the Caucasus region, proving that hard work, dedication, and a strong foundation can lead to unparalleled success.

Personal Life and Legacy

Islam Makhachev maintains a relatively private personal life, a common trait among many Dagestani athletes who prioritize family and community over public spectacle. He is a devout Muslim, and his faith plays a significant role in his life and decisions, as evidenced by his past withdrawal from a fight for religious reasons. He is married and has children, though specific details about his family are kept out of the public eye, reflecting a cultural preference for privacy regarding personal matters.

His connection to his home in Dagestan remains incredibly strong. Makhachev frequently returns to his village and community, where he is revered as a local hero. This deep bond with his roots is a source of strength and motivation. He is famously close to Khabib Nurmagomedov, who is not only a lifelong friend and training partner but also a mentor and often serves as his corner man during fights. This relationship, forged in the gyms of Dagestan under Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, is a cornerstone of Islam's personal and professional journey, embodying loyalty and shared ambition.

Makhachev's dedication to training and discipline is legendary, a characteristic instilled by his late coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. He is known for his relentless work ethic, meticulous preparation, and a calm, focused approach to competition. This disciplined lifestyle, combined with his natural talent, has allowed him to consistently perform at an elite level and overcome challenges, both inside and outside the octagon.

Islam Makhachev's legacy in mixed martial arts is already profound and continues to grow. He is widely regarded as one of the most dominant fighters in UFC history, particularly within the lightweight division, and now as a double champion. His fighting style, characterized by suffocating grappling, relentless pressure, and high fight IQ, has become a benchmark for technical excellence in MMA. He has effectively carried on and evolved the Dagestani wrestling legacy, demonstrating how traditional combat sports can be adapted to achieve unparalleled success in modern MMA.

Often compared to Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev has carved out his own distinct path, proving himself to be a worthy successor and an all-time great in his own right. His achievements, including the longest winning streak in UFC history and becoming a two-division champion, solidify his place among the sport's legends. He inspires countless aspiring fighters, particularly from the Caucasus region, showing that with unwavering dedication, a strong support system, and a disciplined approach, it is possible to reach the absolute pinnacle of global sports.

Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Makhachev's quiet confidence, humility, and respect for his opponents contribute to his positive image. He represents a different kind of superstar in the often-boisterous world of combat sports, one who lets his performances speak for themselves. His impact will undoubtedly resonate for generations, influencing fighting techniques, training philosophies, and the aspirations of young athletes worldwide.