Islam Makhachev

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Fighter bio

Islam Ramazanovitch Makhachev is a Russian mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter competing in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born on October 27, 1993 in Makhatchkala, Republic of Dagestan, he is of Lak origin and Muslim. During his youth, he trained in sambo, a discipline in which he excelled, winning a gold medal at the world championship in 2016.

Makhachev began his professional MMA career in 2010 with the M-1 Global organization, where he recorded an impressive series of victories. In October 2014, he signed a contract with the UFC and made his debut in May 2015 by submitting Leo Kuntz. After a loss to Adriano Martins in October 2015, he followed up with a series of notable victories, including against Arman Tsarukyan in April 2019, a fight designated “Fight of the Night”.

On October 22, 2022, at UFC 280, Makhachev wins the vacant lightweight title by submitting Charles Oliveira in the second round, a performance that earns him the “Performance of the Night” bonus. He successfully defends his title on several occasions.

• On February 12, 2023, he defeated Alexander Volkanovski by unanimous decision at UFC 284.
• On October 21, 2023, he faced Volkanovski again and defeated him by first-round knockout at UFC 294, earning another "Performance of the Night".
• On June 1, 2024, he submitted Dustin Poirier in the fifth round at UFC 302, earning both "Performance of the Night" and "Fight of the Night" bonuses.

On January 18, 2025, at UFC 311, Makhachev was originally scheduled to face Arman Tsarukyan, but Tsarukyan withdrew due to injury. Renato Moicano replaced him on short notice, and Makhachev submitted him in the first round with a D'Arce choke, setting a new record of 15 consecutive lightweight victories, surpassing Khabib Nurmagomedov. Outside the octagon, Makhachev is known for his closeness to former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, with whom he has trained since childhood. He is also appreciated for his discipline and commitment to his sport, proudly representing Dagestan on the international MMA scene.