Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev is a multi-decorated MMA fighter and former UFC Lightweight Champion now challenging for the Welterweight Championship. After securing a gold medal at the 2016 World Combat Sambo Championship in the -74 kg division, alongside Russian National Combat Sambo titles in 2014 and 2016, Islam Makhachev went on to establish a dominant professional mixed martial arts career, honed under the tutelage of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Commencing his professional MMA journey in 2010, Makhachev quickly built a formidable record in organizations such as M-1 Global before signing with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2014. His early career showcased a disciplined and technically proficient fighting style, marked by grappling dominance.

Makhachev made his impactful UFC debut in May 2015 at UFC 187, securing a submission victory. He then embarked on a significant winning streak, demonstrating his elite wrestling and Sambo background to control opponents and climb the ranks of the lightweight division. This period solidified his reputation as a top-tier contender, preparing him for championship pursuits. In October 2022, Makhachev achieved a career-defining milestone, capturing the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 280 with a decisive submission victory over Charles Oliveira.

Beyond the octagon, Makhachev received the prestigious Order ‘For Merit to the Republic of Dagestan’ in 2022 and the Sali Suleiman medal in 2023, acknowledging his broader contributions and impact. With a remarkable professional MMA record of 27 wins and only 1 loss, Islam Makhachev is poised for his next major challenge in November 2025, when he is slated to move up to welterweight to contend for the UFC Welterweight Championship, further solidifying his unparalleled legacy in the sport.