UFC Welterweight Fighter & Mixed Martial Artist; UFC Lightweight Champion

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Islam Makhachev Biography

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.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 08/05/2025.

Islam Makhachev Videos

Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan 2 Press Conference

Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan 2 Press Conference

Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan both got at it at pre fight press conference for their bout.

Islam Makhachev exclusive: Why he vacated UFC title

Islam Makhachev exclusive: Why he vacated UFC title

Islam Makhachev talks to MMA Junkie's Mike Bohn about giving up the UFC lightweight title moving to welterweight Jack Della Maddalena.

Islam Makhachev speaks after UFC 294 knockout

Islam Makhachev speaks after UFC 294 knockout

Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev speaks with Megan Olivi after his first-round knockout win.

  • How do I book Islam Makhachev to speak at my event?

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  • What topics does Islam Makhachev speak about?

    Islam Makhachev is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Athlete, Extreme Sports, Martial Arts, Sports, Sports Motivation
  • Where does Islam Makhachev travel from?

    Islam Makhachev generally travels from an undisclosed location, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Islam Makhachev for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Islam Makhachev for your next private or corporate function.
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Islam Makhachev is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Islam Makhachev for your event is available upon request. Islam Makhachev generally travels from and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Webb Simpson, Doc Redman, Pat Perez, Matt Parziale and Trey Mullinax. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Islam Makhachev for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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