Islam Ramazanovich Makhachev Bio
Islam Ramazanovich Makhachev is a Russian professional mixed martial artist and former sambo competitor born on October 27, 1991, in Makhachkala, Dagestan. He currently competes in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and is the reigning UFC Welterweight Champion as well as a former UFC Lightweight Champion. Makhachev is recognized for his combat sambo background and has established himself as a dominant force in MMA with a strong grappling base complemented by an evolving striking skill set.
Early Life and Background
Makhachev was born in Makhachkala and raised in the village of Burshi in Dagestan. His father worked as a driver and grew tomatoes, while his mother managed a small cafe. He has an older brother named Kurbanismail. Beginning martial arts at age seven, Makhachev initially trained in taekwondo under champion Seyfula Magomedov before switching to sanda during school. He attended school alongside Abubakar Nurmagomedov and met Khabib Nurmagomedov and Shamil Zavurov, influential figures in his early development. After a brief period playing soccer, he returned to combat sports, focusing on freestyle wrestling and later mixed martial arts under Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s guidance.
Growing up in a region where street fights were common, Makhachev developed resilience and toughness early on. He pursued higher education at Dagestan State University, studying physical education and sports. To support his training, he worked as a security guard, with his employer accommodating his competition and training schedule.
Path to MMA
Makhachev’s early combat sports career was marked by success in combat sambo, winning the Russian National Combat Sambo Championship in the -74 kg division twice, in 2014 and 2016. He became the 2016 World Combat Sambo Champion, defeating Valentin Benishev in the finals. His sambo achievements laid a strong foundation for his transition to professional mixed martial arts, where he debuted in 2010. He competed in various regional promotions, including M-1 Global, where he secured notable victories and honed his skills before signing with the UFC in 2014.
Islam Ramazanovich Makhachev Career
Early Career (2010–2014)
Makhachev began his professional MMA career in 2010, quickly making a name for himself with a series of wins in regional promotions. He debuted in M-1 Global in 2011, winning his first fight by knockout. Over the next few years, he amassed victories over skilled opponents, including unanimous decision wins and submission finishes. His performances in M-1 Global showcased his grappling prowess and striking improvements, setting the stage for his entry into the UFC.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2014–2024)
Signing with the UFC in October 2014, Makhachev made his promotional debut in May 2015 with a submission win over Leo Kuntz. Despite suffering his only professional loss via knockout to Adriano Martins in October 2015, he rebounded with a series of dominant performances. Makhachev demonstrated his grappling dominance and submission skills with victories over fighters like Gleison Tibau and Kajan Johnson. He earned Fight of the Night honors against Arman Tsarukyan and continued to build momentum with wins over Drew Dober, Thiago Moisés, Dan Hooker, and Bobby Green.
In October 2022, Makhachev captured the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship by defeating Charles Oliveira via arm-triangle choke. He successfully defended the title multiple times, including against Alexander Volkanovski and Renato Moicano, earning Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses. His reign as lightweight champion solidified his status as one of the sport’s elite grapplers and tacticians.
UFC Welterweight Champion Era (2025–Present)
In 2025, Makhachev moved up to the welterweight division to challenge for the vacant UFC Welterweight Championship. On November 15, 2025, at UFC 322, he defeated Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision to become the UFC Welterweight Champion. This victory tied the UFC record for the longest winning streak with 16 consecutive wins, matching Anderson Silva. Makhachev’s transition to welterweight marks a new chapter in his career as he aims to defend his title and continue his dominance across multiple weight classes.
Driving Style and Strengths
Makhachev’s fighting style is deeply rooted in combat sambo and grappling, emphasizing positional control, chain wrestling, and relentless ground pressure. He employs efficient trips and body locks from the clinch, favoring methodical control over explosive takedowns. On the ground, he wears opponents down with top pressure and gradual positional advances, utilizing a dangerous arm-triangle choke for submissions. His striking has evolved to include measured feints and southpaw kicks, allowing him to manage distance effectively and set up takedowns.
Notable Events and Milestones
Makhachev holds several UFC lightweight records, including the longest winning streak (14), most title-fight victories (5), most successful title defenses (4), and highest significant-strike accuracy (59.5%). His victory at UFC 280 to claim the lightweight title and his subsequent move to welterweight to become a double champion are career-defining milestones. His winning streak ties the UFC record, underscoring his consistency and dominance in the sport.
Islam Ramazanovich Makhachev Career Wins
Makhachev has compiled an impressive professional record of 28 wins and only 1 loss. His victories include 13 submissions, 1 knockout, and 10 decision wins, reflecting his grappling expertise and tactical approach inside the octagon.
UFC Highlights
Within the UFC, Makhachev has secured multiple title wins and defenses. His first UFC Lightweight Championship win came in 2022 against Charles Oliveira, followed by successful defenses against top contenders. In 2025, he captured the UFC Welterweight Championship, showcasing his ability to compete and succeed at the highest levels across weight classes. His UFC tenure is marked by dominant performances and record-setting streaks.
Other Wins & Performances
Before joining the UFC, Makhachev earned notable wins in M-1 Global and other regional promotions, including a first-round knockout in his debut and multiple unanimous decision victories. His combat sambo world championship and national titles further highlight his competitive pedigree outside the cage.
Islam Ramazanovich Makhachev Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Makhachev comes from a modest family in Dagestan, with his father working as a driver and his mother running a small cafe. He has an older brother named Kurbanismail. His upbringing in a region known for producing elite combat athletes influenced his early exposure to martial arts and shaped his competitive spirit.
Personal Life
Islam Makhachev is married and has three children: one daughter and two sons. He resides in Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia, where he continues to train and develop his MMA career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a significant milestone for Makhachev as he transitioned to the welterweight division and captured the UFC Welterweight Championship. His victory over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 showcased his technical mastery and strategic acumen. Makhachev’s partnership with the American Kickboxing Academy continues to be a cornerstone of his success, providing elite coaching and support. As the reigning welterweight champion, he is positioned to defend his title and pursue further achievements in the division.