How Islam Makhachev Became a Top UFC Fighter: His Journey, Training, and Big Wins

Islam Makhachev is really making a name for himself in mixed martial arts (MMA).

Known for his amazing skills and dedication, he’s quickly become a top figure in the sport.

Let’s take a closer look at his life and career.

Islam Makhachev: Key Highlights

CategoryDetails
Full NameIslam Ramazanovich Makhachev
BirthdateOctober 27, 1991
Age32 years old
Height5’10” (178 cm)
NicknameDoes not use a nickname
NationalityRussian
BirthplaceMakhachkala, Dagestan, Russia
EthnicityLak
ReligionIslam
ParentsFather: Driver and tomato grower
Mother: Café owner and housewife
SiblingsNo natural siblings, brotherly bond with Khabib Nurmagomedov
TrainingTaekwondo at age 7, later sanda and sambo
Professional DebutAge 18
Fight Record25-1-0
Last FightOctober 21, 2023 (Win by KO/TKO against Alexander Volkanovski)
Net Worth (2024)$1 million
Notable WinsCharles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski, Bobby Green, Dan Hooker
Unique PointsTrained under Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, inspired by Khabib Nurmagomedov
Only one loss to Adriano Martins
Dealt with a staph infection
Personal LifeMarried on April 8, 2021, prefers to keep personal life private
AchievementsGold in the 2016 Sambo World Championships
Health ChallengesDealt with a staph infection, speculated another before UFC 302
Upcoming FightFirst-time match against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 on June 1st

Personal Information

Islam Makhachev’s Nickname

Islam Makhachev is mostly called by his name.

Unlike his friend Khabib Nurmagomedov, who’s known as “The Eagle,” Makhachev doesn’t use a nickname.

His full name is Islam Ramazanovich Makhachev, and he was born in Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia, on October 27, 1991.

Physical Attributes

How Tall is Islam Makhachev?

  • Height: 5’10” (178 cm)
  • This height is pretty typical for lightweight fighters, giving him a good balance of reach and agility.

How Old is Islam Makhachev?

  • Birthdate: October 27, 1991
  • Age: 32 years old
  • He’s achieved a lot over the years, with many significant milestones in MMA.

Family Background

Parents

Who are Islam Makhachev’s Parents?

  • Born in Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia.
  • Father: Worked as a driver and grew tomatoes.
  • Mother: Ran a small café and was a housewife.
  • Their hard work and support have greatly influenced Makhachev’s journey.

Siblings

Does Islam Makhachev Have Any Siblings?

  • No natural siblings.
  • Shares a brotherly bond with Khabib Nurmagomedov.
  • They trained together since childhood under Khabib’s father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
  • Khabib mentioned in an interview with ESPN, “Islam is like my brother. We have trained together since we were kids, and I know he has what it takes to be a champion.”
Makhachev and Nurmagomedov have been tightly linked throughout their MMA careers as training partners
Makhachev and Nurmagomedov have been tightly linked throughout their MMA careers as training partners

Ethnicity

What is Islam Makhachev’s Ethnicity?

  • Ethnicity: Lak, an ethnic group native to Lakia.
  • The Lak people speak the Laki language.
  • Makhachev is a devout follower of Islam.
  • His cultural background and faith have played a big role in his career.

Also Read: How Hansi Flick Became Barcelona’s New Coach: A Journey Through His Football Career

Career and Achievements

Early Career

How Did Makhachev Get Into MMA?

  • Started training in taekwondo at age 7 under Seyfula Magomedov.
  • Later took up sanda, a Chinese full-contact boxing system.
  • Met Khabib Nurmagomedov through sanda.
  • Trained under Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
  • Won gold in the 2016 Sambo World Championships.
  • Inspired by Khabib’s success, transitioned to MMA.
  • Made his professional debut at 18.

Health Challenges

Did Islam Makhachev Have a Staph Infection?

  • Yes, he dealt with a staph infection in the past.
  • Recently, Conor McGregor speculated he might have another staph infection ahead of his UFC 302 title defense against Dustin Poirier.
  • Despite concerns, Makhachev’s resilience remains strong.

Fight Statistics

What Are Islam Makhachev’s Fight Stats?

  • Record: 25-1-0
  • Height: 5’10” (178 cm)
  • Weight: 155 lbs (70 kg)
  • Reach: 70″
  • Stance: Southpaw
  • Significant Strikes Landed per Minute (SLpM): 2.46
  • Significant Striking Accuracy (Str. Acc.): 60%
  • Significant Strikes Absorbed per Minute (SApM): 1.27
  • Significant Strike Defense (Str. Def.): 61%
  • Average Takedowns Landed per 15 minutes (TD Avg.): 3.17
  • Takedown Accuracy (TD Acc.): 60%
  • Takedown Defense (TD Def.): 90%
  • Average Submissions Attempted per 15 minutes (Sub. Avg.): 1.0

How Many Losses Does Islam Makhachev Have?

Recent Performance

When Was Islam Makhachev’s Last Fight?

  • Last fought on October 21, 2023.
  • Defended his 155-pound world title.
  • Knocked out Alexander Volkanovski in the first round.

Net Worth

What is Islam Makhachev’s Net Worth in 2024?

  • Estimated net worth: $1 million.
  • Earnings from fights, bonuses, sponsorships, and endorsements.
  • Notable paydays include over $1 million for victories against Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 and Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284.
  • Forbes reported, “Makhachev’s financial growth parallels his rise in the MMA world, showcasing his marketability and appeal.”

Notable Opponents

Has Islam Makhachev Ever Fought Dustin Poirier?

  • No, he hasn’t fought Dustin Poirier before.
  • Their first match will be at UFC 302 on June 1st.
  • This fight is Makhachev’s third title defense and a big chance for Poirier.

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

Who is Islam Makhachev’s Wife?

  • Makhachev keeps his personal life private.
  • Married on April 8, 2021, in Makhachkala, Dagestan.
  • The wedding was a huge event with thousands of guests.
  • In an interview with MMA Fighting, Makhachev said, “I value my privacy and my family life. It’s important for me to keep that separate from my career.”

Fight History

What is Islam Makhachev’s Fight History?

  • UFC 294: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski 2 (October 21, 2023):
    • Opponent: Alexander Volkanovski
    • Result: Win (KO/TKO in Round 1, 3:06)
  • UFC 284: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski (February 11, 2023):
    • Opponent: Alexander Volkanovski
    • Result: Win (Decision – Unanimous, 5 rounds)
  • UFC 280: Oliveira vs. Makhachev (October 22, 2022):
    • Opponent: Charles Oliveira
    • Result: Win (Submission in Round 2, 3:16)
  • UFC Fight Night: Makhachev vs. Green (February 26, 2022):
    • Opponent: Bobby Green
    • Result: Win (KO/TKO in Round 1, 3:23)
  • UFC 267: Blachowicz vs. Teixeira (October 30, 2021):
    • Opponent: Dan Hooker
    • Result: Win (Submission in Round 1, 2:25)
  • UFC Fight Night: Makhachev vs. Moises (July 17, 2021):
    • Opponent: Thiago Moises
    • Result: Win (Submission in Round 4, 2:38)

Makhachev’s impressive record stands at 25 wins and 1 loss, showing his skill and dominance in the lightweight division.

Conclusion

Islam Makhachev’s journey in MMA is a testament to his dedication, skill, and resilience.

From his early training days in Dagestan to becoming a world champion, Makhachev’s career is filled with notable achievements and inspiring moments.

As he continues to defend his title and take on new challenges, the future looks incredibly bright for this rising star.

Also Read:

How Lexi Thompson Became A Golf Legend: Achievements, Earnings, And Retirement Plans

How Bill Walton Became A Basketball Legend: Championships, Family, And More

If you have any questions, feel free to ask! We’re looking forward to hearing from you.

Rafael Antonio is a dedicated sports journalist at Viz Times with over four years of experience. His journey into the world of sports began at age ten when Tiger Woods won the 2006 PGA Tournament, sparking his passion for golf. With a Master's degree in Journalism, Rafael excels in analyzing and reporting on sports. He covers the NFL, MLB, NHL, WNBA, NASCAR, MMA, and more. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling and reading.