Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev respects women, but expresses this respect through strict traditional and religious boundaries. As a devoutly religious Muslim, he follows orthodox practices that prioritize modesty and restrict physical contact or prolonged eye contact with women who are not related to him.His approach includes several specific actions that reflect his belief system:Avoiding Physical Contact: He maintains physical distance from women to respect both his faith and the dignity of the individuals.Controlling Eye Contact: During post-fight interviews with female reporters, Makhachev often intentionally avoids direct eye contact.Family Devotion: He is known to be deeply devoted to his mother, often crediting her wishes and making life choices based on her guidance.While some critics view these boundaries as outdated or overly conservative, Makhachev and his peers explain that these actions are rooted in their culture and religious teachings to honor and protect women.

Khabib Nurmagomedov is Islam Makhachev's childhood friend, long-time training partner, and former head coach/mentor.While they are not related by blood, their bond in Dagestan is described as a brotherhood. They grew up together, went to the same school, and trained under the exact same coach—Khabib's late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. When Khabib retired undefeated from the UFC, he stepped in to guide Islam's career, successfully cornering him to the UFC Lightweight Championship.

UFC Champion Islam Makhachev's head coach and striking mentor is Javier Mendez at the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA). His wrestling, grappling, and corner coaching are overseen by former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, continuing the legacy of his late, lifelong mentor Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.Makhachev's training team also prominently features strength and conditioning coach Seifulla Magomedov.For a closer look at how his coaches and the Dagestani Sambo system molded Makhachev into a dominant force:

Islam Makhachev is a 34-year-old Russian professional mixed martial artist, standing 5'10" (178 cm) tall and weighing 170 lbs (77 kg). Recognized as an elite competitor, he carries a lean, heavily muscled athletic build suited for the welterweight division, characterized by his distinct short-trimmed beard and signature Dagestani-style wrestling appearance.Physical ProfileHeight: 5' 10" (178 cm)Weight: 170 lbs (77 kg)Reach: 70 inchesBuild: Extremely lean, with a dense musculature specifically conditioned for wrestling, grappling, and elite-level cardio.Distinguishing Features: He typically wears a traditional thick, well-kept beard without a mustache, common to many fighters from the Dagestan region of Russia. He has dark hair, deep-set eyes, and is known for his focused, stoic demeanor during face-offs and weigh-ins.Career Context and TransformationWhile Makhachev originally fought in the lightweight (155 lbs) division for the majority of his UFC career, he transitioned to the 170-pound welterweight class. Ahead of his welterweight title debut against Jack Della Maddalena, MMA analysts and fans noted a noticeable physical transformation where he appeared significantly bigger and more muscular to adapt to the new weight class.

Born
Islam Ramazanovich Makhachev[1]
27 October 1991 (age 34)[2]
Makhachkala, Dagestan ASSR, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
Native name
Ислам Махачев
Height
5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Weight
170 lb (77 kg; 12 st 2 lb)
Division
Lightweight (2010–2025)
Welterweight (2025–present)
Reach
70 in (178 cm)[3]
Style
Combat sambo
Fighting out of
Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia
Team
American Kickboxing Academy
Fight Spirit Team
Gadzhi Makhachev freestyle wrestling club
Old School Fighters
KHK MMA Team
Eagles MMA
Trainer
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov (former)[4]
Javier Mendez[5]
Khabib Nurmagomedov[6]
Rank
International Master of Sport in combat sambo[7]
Black belt in Judo[8]
Years active
2010–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total
29
Wins
28
By knockout
5
By submission
13
By decision
10
Losses
1
By knockout
1

Islam Ramazanovich Makhachev (Russian: Ислам Рамазанович Махачев;[1] born 27 October 1991) is a Russian professional mixed martial artist and former sambo competitor. He currently competes in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is the current UFC Welterweight Champion and former UFC Lightweight Champion. A professional since 2010, along with becoming a combat sambo world champion in 2016 and two-time Russian national champion at 74 kg (2014, 2016). As of 18 November 2025, he is #1 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings.[9]