Islam Makhachev is a name that resonates powerfully in octagons around the world. Born in the mountains of Dagestan, Russia, this mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter has transformed his cultural heritage into an unstoppable victory machine. With an impressive record and a dedication bordering on fanaticism, Makhachev is not just an athlete; he is a symbol of resilience and strategy in the world’s fastest-growing sport. At 33 years old, he is already considered one of the greatest lightweights in history, but his journey extends beyond a single weight class. In this report, we dive into the life, fights, and challenges that shaped this Dagestani warrior, with a special focus on the events shaking up the November 2025 calendar.
Humble Origins in the Mountains of Dagestan
Islam Makhachev’s story begins in Makhachkala, the capital of Dagestan, a region marked by ancient traditions and rugged terrain that forges strong characters. The son of a modest family, he grew up in a culture where freestyle wrestling is more than a sport—it’s a way of life. From the age of five, Islam traded childhood games for intense training sessions at the local academy, guided by mentors who saw rare potential in him.
His father, a former sambo wrestler, was the first to introduce him to the world of takedowns and ground control. But it was the influence of Khabib Nurmagomedov, his training partner and childhood friend, that accelerated his rise. Khabib, who would become the undefeated lightweight champion in the UFC, served as a model and sparring partner. “Training with Khabib was like facing a bear,” Makhachev would say years later in an interview. This closeness was more than physical; it was a brotherhood forged in sweat and dust in Dagestani dojos.
At 16, Islam was already competing in regional freestyle wrestling tournaments, winning medals that caught the eye of international scouts. In 2006, he made his professional debut with a submission victory, an early sign of his versatility. But Dagestan was no easy springboard. The region’s political and economic instability in the 2000s forced Makhachev to balance exhausting workouts with informal jobs, like construction work. This foundation of overcoming adversity is reflected in his mindset: “I fight not just for the belt, but for the family that taught me never to give up,” he confided in a rare conversation with the Russian press.
Early Steps in the Professional Circuit
Makhachev’s entry into professional MMA was meteoric but full of twists. After wins in smaller events in Russia and the Caucasus, he signed with ProFC, a local promotion that tested him against experienced opponents. His first defeat came in 2010 against Magomedrasul Khasbulaev, a harsh lesson that led him to refine his wrestling game. “Losing showed me that talent alone isn’t enough; it’s preparation that wins,” he reflected.
In 2014, the UFC call came. Recommended by Khabib, who was already shining in the organization, Makhachev landed in Las Vegas for his debut against Brazilian Leonardo Santos. The unanimous decision victory was a humble calling card, but enough to prove his solidity. In the following years, he racked up wins against names like Chris Wade and Arman Tsarukyan, blending submissions with ground dominance. His UFC record started with a streak of eight victories, interrupted only by an injury in 2016 that forced a nearly year-long hiatus.
That interruption was crucial. During the break, Makhachev traveled to the United States, training at the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA), where he polished his striking with Javier Mendez and reinforced his jiu-jitsu. The return was devastating: in 2019, he submitted Drew Dober with a rear-naked choke in the first round, a performance that put him on the top 10 lightweight radar. His patience and control—hallmarks of his Dagestani school—began to stand out, differentiating him from more explosive rivals.
The Conquest of the Lightweight Crown and Epic Defenses
The pinnacle of Makhachev’s career came in 2022, when he inherited Khabib’s legacy by defeating Charles Oliveira for the lightweight title at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi. The second-round arm-triangle submission was not just a win; it was a generational transition. As Nurmagomedov’s protégé, who retired undefeated, Islam carried the weight of an entire nation. “Khabib taught me that the champion isn’t the one who hits hardest, but the one who controls the fight’s destiny,” he said in the post-fight press conference.
Since then, Makhachev has defended the belt four times, a feat that places him among the division’s elite. Against Alexander Volkanovski in 2023, he knocked out the Australian with a precise left hook, avenging Khabib’s loss years earlier. The rematch, months later, was even more dominant, with a first-round submission. In 2024, the defense against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 302 was a classic: five rounds of tension, where the Russian used his superior grappling to win by decision.
These defenses were not without controversy. Critics pointed to the “lack of excitement” in his style, but the numbers speak for themselves: 14 consecutive UFC wins, with 70% by submission. Makhachev raised the bar for lightweights, forcing rivals to evolve. His preparation is legendary—eight-week altitude camps with daily wrestling sessions lasting hours. “I study the opponent like chess; every move has a purpose,” he explains.
Fighting Style: Precision and Absolute Dominance
What makes Islam Makhachev unique is his perfect fusion of Dagestani wrestling, sambo, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Tall for lightweights (1.78m), he uses his reach to maintain distance in striking, surprising with sharp jabs and devastating low kicks. But it’s on the ground where he shines: his positional control is suffocating, with fluid transitions that exhaust the opponent. Experts compare his ground-and-pound to Khabib’s, but with a more technical touch, incorporating armbars and triangles.
Defensively, Makhachev is a wall. His takedown defense rate is 92%, one of the highest in UFC history. He doesn’t seek spectacle; he prefers efficiency. In an era of flash knockouts, his calculated approach is refreshing—and terrifying. Rival coaches admit: “Facing Islam is like fighting a net; the more you struggle, the more trapped you get.”
Outside the octagon, he invests in his Dagestan academy, training a new generation of fighters. His impact goes beyond wins: he promotes Muslim culture and Islamic discipline, inspiring youth in marginalized regions.
Personal Life: Family, Faith, and Legacy
Away from the spotlight, Makhachev is a family man. Married to a fellow Dagestani, he has two children—a boy and a girl—who motivate him to return home after every trip. His Muslim faith is central: he fasts during Ramadan and recites prayers before each fight, a routine that centers him amid MMA’s chaos.
A loyal friend to Khabib, the two share not only sambo Olympic gold but a vision to elevate Dagestan globally. Nurmagomedov, now a trainer and businessman, manages part of Islam’s career, including partnerships with brands like VeChain. Despite the fame, Makhachev avoids Hollywood stardom; he prefers the simplicity of his native village, where he built a street in honor of Khabib—a gesture that made him laugh when locals asked for “repairs” on the uneven sidewalks.
Recent Updates: The Middleweight Challenge at UFC 322
November 2025 brings an unprecedented chapter for Makhachev. After four lightweight defenses, he moves up a weight class to challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title at UFC 322, set for November 15 in New York. This “superfight” is historic: no lightweight champion has won a belt in a higher division since 2004, when Matt Hughes attempted something similar.
The preparation was intense. Makhachev gained controlled muscle mass, reaching 77kg while preserving power. At the weigh-in, his fixed stare with Della Maddalena sparked tension—Dana White intervened to separate them, predicting an epic clash. “I still feel like the lightweight champion; no one takes that from me,” Islam declared in a recent press conference, dismissing retirement rumors, though rivals like Volkanovski speculate this could be his final dance.
The event at Madison Square Garden is loaded with symbolism. Makhachev aims to break a 21-year streak without an inter-division “upset,” eyeing Georges St-Pierre’s record for welterweight defenses. Odds favor the Australian, but the Russian, with a 27-1 record, is unpredictable. Training at the AKA, he incorporated more boxing to counter Della Maddalena’s sharp striking. “I’ll take my pressure to his ground,” he promised.
Outside the fight, Makhachev laughs at anecdotes, like the “broken” street named in Khabib’s honor in his hometown—a reminder that, even at the top, he keeps his feet on the ground. If he wins, he could aim for a trilogy of titles, unifying divisions.
A Legacy in the Making
Islam Makhachev is not just a fighter; he is an ambassador for Dagestani MMA who proves that strategy beats brute force. From a mountain boy to potential two-division champion, his journey inspires millions. With UFC 322 on the horizon, the world waits: will it be the start of a multi-division era or the peak of a legend? One thing is certain: Makhachev fights with heart, and that is unbeatable.
