In the fast-paced world of MMA, few names shine as brightly as Islam Makhachev. The reigning UFC Lightweight Champion, Makhachev has rapidly become one of the most dominant forces in the octagon. A fighter known for his supreme grappling, suffocating pressure, and improving striking, Islam Makhachev is often regarded as the successor to his mentor and former champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov.
In this blog, we will cover Islam Makhachev’s career, his journey to the UFC title, fight records, stats, fighting style, and what the future holds for him in the UFC lightweight division.
🥋 Who is Islam Makhachev?
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Full Name: Islam Ramazanovich Makhachev
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Born: October 27, 1991
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Birthplace: Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia
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Height: 5’10” (178 cm)
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Weight Class: Lightweight (155 lbs / 70 kg)
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Fighting Style: Sambo, Wrestling, Submission Grappling
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Team: American Kickboxing Academy (AKA)
📜 Background:
Islam Makhachev grew up in Dagestan, a region renowned for producing elite wrestlers and combat sports athletes. Trained under Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov and later mentored by Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev adopted a highly disciplined approach centered around wrestling, combat sambo, and relentless ground control.
🏆 Islam Makhachev’s UFC Career & Rise to the Title
🔥 Early UFC Career:
Islam Makhachev made his UFC debut on May 23, 2015, at UFC 187, winning his first fight via submission against Leo Kuntz. Despite suffering a single setback against Adriano Martins, Makhachev bounced back with a long winning streak that proved his dominance.
🌟 Winning Streak:
From 2016 onwards, Makhachev went on an impressive winning run, defeating top-tier fighters such as:
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Davi Ramos (via decision)
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Drew Dober (submission)
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Thiago Moises (submission)
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Dan Hooker (submission)
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Bobby Green (TKO)
His ability to dismantle opponents with precision and minimal damage became his signature.
🏆 UFC Lightweight Champion:
On October 22, 2022, at UFC 280, Islam Makhachev faced Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC Lightweight title. Makhachev dominated the fight, eventually submitting Oliveira in the second round to become the UFC Lightweight Champion.
⚔️ Epic Battle: Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski
In UFC 284, Makhachev defended his title against the reigning featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski in a historic champion vs. champion fight. It was one of the most competitive fights in lightweight history. Despite Volkanovski’s resilience, Islam Makhachev won by unanimous decision, proving his status as one of the pound-for-pound best fighters in the world.
💪 Islam Makhachev Fighting Style Breakdown
🥇 Wrestling and Sambo Mastery:
Makhachev is a combat sambo world champion, and it shows. His wrestling pressure, top control, and submission setups are second to none in the lightweight division.
👊 Striking Evolution:
Earlier criticized for a lack of striking, Islam has greatly improved his stand-up game, using precise counters, powerful hooks, and accurate jabs to complement his grappling.
🛡️ Defensive Prowess:
Makhachev’s ability to avoid damage is notable. His grappling-centric style smothers opponents, limiting their offensive output.
📊 Islam Makhachev Stats & Records
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MMA Record: 25 Wins – 1 Loss (as of 2025)
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Wins by Submission: 11
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Wins by Decision: 10
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Wins by KO/TKO: 4
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Loss: 1 (KO loss to Adriano Martins in 2015)
🔥 Notable Achievements:
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UFC Lightweight Champion
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Combat Sambo World Champion (2016)
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Most submission wins in recent lightweight UFC history
🌍 Impact of Islam Makhachev in MMA
🏆 Legacy of Dagestan Fighters:
Following the footsteps of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev carries the torch for Dagestani fighters globally. His success has inspired many young fighters from Dagestan and around the world to pursue MMA, focusing on wrestling and discipline.
🎯 Technical Masterclass:
Makhachev’s fights are often described as clinics. His technical mastery forces even top-ranked opponents into survival mode rather than attacking.
🔥 Potential Future Fights for Islam Makhachev
💥 Possible Opponents:
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Charles Oliveira II – A rematch that fans are eager to see.
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Dustin Poirier – A battle of submission specialists vs. striking power.
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Justin Gaethje – Can Gaethje’s knockout power overcome Islam’s grappling?
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Arman Tsarukyan – A rematch against one of the fastest-rising contenders.
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Michael Chandler – A fight that guarantees fireworks.
🌟 Superfight Potential:
Many fans are still calling for a rematch against Alexander Volkanovski or even dream fights in the welterweight division, testing whether Makhachev can become a two-division champion.
🎯 What Makes Islam Makhachev Special?
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Discipline: Rarely makes mistakes inside the cage.
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Fight IQ: Adjusts strategies mid-fight effectively.
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Grappling Dominance: Once he secures a takedown, escape becomes nearly impossible for his opponents.
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Calmness Under Pressure: Never rushes, waits for openings.
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Well-Rounded Game: No longer just a grappler—his striking has evolved significantly.
📈 Islam Makhachev Net Worth & Popularity
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Estimated Net Worth (2025): $5–7 million (approx.)
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Income Sources: UFC fight purses, sponsorships, endorsements, and training camps.
Makhachev’s popularity has skyrocketed, especially after his title defenses. He has millions of followers on social media and is one of the most searched fighters globally.
📢 Conclusion: The Reign of Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev is not just a champion; he represents an era of technical excellence in MMA. His journey from the mountains of Dagestan to the bright lights of the UFC octagon is inspiring. As the UFC Lightweight Champion, Makhachev continues to dominate, with no signs of slowing down.
With potential superfights ahead and a legacy already being cemented, Islam Makhachev is poised to become one of the greatest lightweight fighters in UFC history.
Whether you’re a long-time MMA fan or a new follower of the sport, keeping an eye on Islam Makhachev is a must — because his reign is far from over.
🔖 Disclaimer:
This blog is for informational purposes only. Stats, fight results, and financial figures related to Islam Makhachev are based on available public sources as of 2025 and may change over time. For the latest updates, refer to official UFC sources.