Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev is a Russian mixed martial artist widely regarded as one of the most dominant fighters in UFC history. Born in Makhachkala, Dagestan, Makhachev rose through the ranks with a grappling-heavy fighting style rooted in combat sambo, a discipline in which he became world champion in 2016. A close friend and longtime training partner of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev has often been compared to the former lightweight champion, both for his technical prowess and his calm, suffocating dominance inside the Octagon.

Makhachev began his professional MMA career in 2010 and made his UFC debut in 2015. After an early loss, he went on an extraordinary win streak that ultimately spanned more than a decade. In October 2022, he captured the vacant UFC lightweight title by submitting Charles Oliveira in the second round. That victory marked the beginning of a historic championship reign.

Over the next two years, Makhachev successfully defended his lightweight title four times, defeating top contenders including Alexander Volkanovski—twice—Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano. His rematch against Volkanovski at UFC 294 ended in a first-round knockout and solidified his status as the promotion’s pound-for-pound No. 1 fighter. At UFC 302 in June 2024, Makhachev submitted Poirier in the fifth round in a bout that earned Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night honors. Poirier retired from the sport shortly after.

Known for his elite wrestling, exceptional control, and ever-improving striking, Makhachev has often been praised for his patience, discipline and fight IQ. With a professional record of 27-1 and the second-longest win streak in UFC history, trailing only Anderson Silva, he holds numerous lightweight division records including most consecutive title defenses and one of the highest finish rates in UFC championship fights.

In 2025, after clearing out the lightweight division, Makhachev announced his intention to move up to welterweight in pursuit of becoming a two-division champion. UFC President Dana White confirmed plans for Makhachev to challenge reigning welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena, setting the stage for what could be another historic run.

Fighting out of the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, California, Makhachev continues to represent Dagestan on the world stage. Soft-spoken but fiercely competitive, he is viewed by many as the heir to Nurmagomedov’s legacy—and potentially, a fighter capable of surpassing it.