Introduction
Islam Makhachev is a Russian mixed martial artist and the reigning UFC Lightweight Champion, widely admired for his dominant grappling, elite wrestling, high fight IQ and relentless pressure. Trained under the legendary coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov and fighting alongside UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam has emerged as one of the most complete and consistent fighters in MMA history. His combination of sambo fundamentals and modern MMA skill makes him one of the most feared lightweight fighters in the world.
Islam Makhachev Biography / Wiki
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Islam Ramazanovich Makhachev |
| Date of Birth | October 27, 1991 |
| Birthplace | Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia |
| Nationality | Russian |
| Profession | Mixed Martial Artist |
| Division | Lightweight (UFC) |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) |
| Reach | 70.5 inches (179 cm) |
| Years Active | 2010–present |
| Team | American Kickboxing Academy (AKA), Eagles MMA |
| Titles | UFC Lightweight Champion |
Early Life
Islam Makhachev was born and raised in Dagestan, a region known for producing world-class combat athletes. Growing up in a mountainous environment, Islam developed toughness, endurance and discipline from an early age. Inspired by the wrestling culture around him, he began martial arts training as a child and later transitioned into combat sambo.
Childhood Traits
Highly disciplined
Naturally athletic
Respectful and humble
Competitive and determined
Strong work ethic from early youth
Family & Background
Comes from a traditional Muslim Dagestani family
Extremely close to the Nurmagomedov family
Trained for years under coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov
Considered like a brother to Khabib Nurmagomedov
Keeps personal family life private
Education
Islam attended local schools in Dagestan alongside intense athletic training.
He later excelled in combat sambo, becoming an International and National Champion before transitioning to MMA.
Wrestling & Sambo Background
Islam Makhachev is a Combat Sambo World Champion (2016).
His sambo achievements include:
Master of Sport in Combat Sambo
National-level titles
Elite-level grappling skills
Foundation for his dominant MMA style
His sambo fundamentals—takedowns, trips, throws and submissions—are central to his fighting success.
MMA Career – Rise to UFC Champion
Early MMA Career
Made professional MMA debut in 2010
Dominated regional promotions with sambo-based grappling
Signed by UFC in 2015 as one of Dagestan’s top prospects
UFC Career
Islam’s rise in the UFC was defined by strategic dominance and near-perfect execution.
Major UFC Highlights
Defeated elite fighters like Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski (twice), Dan Hooker, Beneil Dariush, and Thiago Moisés
Became UFC Lightweight Champion by defeating Charles Oliveira
Defended title successfully multiple times
Holds one of the longest active win streaks in the division
Widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter today
His combination of improved striking and world-class grappling makes him nearly unbeatable.
Fighting Style
Islam Makhachev is known for:
Elite sambo-based grappling
Strong takedown entries and pressure
Smothering top control
Seamless transitions and submissions
Improved striking and powerful kicks
Excellent defensive awareness
Championship-level cardio
He blends Dagestani wrestling with modern MMA techniques, making him one of the sport’s most complete fighters.
Achievements
UFC Lightweight Champion
Multiple UFC title defenses
Combat Sambo World Champion
One of the longest win streaks in UFC lightweight history
Ranked among the top pound-for-pound fighters in MMA
Islam Makhachev Net Worth
Estimated Net Worth
$3–6 Million (Approx.)
Income Sources
UFC fight purses
PPV shares
Performance bonuses
Sponsorships and endorsements
Training camps and seminars
Personal Life
Personal Highlights
Private about relationships and family
Known for humility and discipline
Strong religious and cultural values
Deeply loyal to friends, coaches and teammates
Lifestyle & Interests
Enjoys outdoor training and mountain workouts
Passionate about coaching and helping youth fighters
Often travels with team for fight camps
Maintains a clean, disciplined lifestyle
Legacy
Islam Makhachev is widely considered one of the greatest lightweight fighters of his era.
His dominance, technical intelligence and sambo excellence place him among the most complete fighters in MMA history.
What He Represents
Dagestani combat legacy
Discipline and humility
Modern MMA evolution
Championship excellence
His reign has redefined what it means to be a world-class lightweight fighter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Islam Makhachev’s age?
He is 33 years old (born October 27, 1991).
What is Islam Makhachev famous for?
Being the UFC Lightweight Champion and elite sambo practitioner.
How tall is Islam Makhachev?
5 feet 10 inches (178 cm).
What is Islam Makhachev’s fighting style?
Sambo-based grappling with improved striking.
What is Islam Makhachev’s net worth?
Approximately $3–6 million.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not officially connected to Islam Makhachev. All details are based on publicly available sources.
