Islam Makhachev’s Life, Career, UFC Record, and Biggest Wins Explained

If you follow mixed martial arts, you have almost certainly heard the name Islam Makhachev. Over the last few years, he has become one of the biggest stars in the UFC. Fans know him for his smart fighting style, strong wrestling, and calm attitude inside the cage. He does not waste moves or energy. Instead, he stays patient and waits for the right moment to take control.

His journey is not just about winning fights. It is also about years of hard work, strict training, and never giving up. From growing up in Dagestan, Russia, to becoming the UFC Lightweight Champion, every step helped shape the fighter people see today. His rise has inspired many young athletes around the world.

Many experts now place Islam Makhachev among the greatest lightweight fighters in UFC history. He has broken records, defended his title several times, and beaten some of the best fighters in the sport. His victories over top names like Alexander Volkanovski and Renato Moicano have made his career even more impressive.

In this article, you will learn about Islam Makhachev’s early life, how he started fighting, his UFC journey, his title wins, his biggest victories, his fighting style, his career record, and the achievements that helped build his lasting legacy.

Who Is Islam Makhachev?

Islam Makhachev is a Russian mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC lightweight division. He is known around the world for his excellent wrestling, strong ground game, and calm way of fighting. While many fighters depend on power alone, Makhachev combines skill, timing, and smart decisions to win.

He became the UFC Lightweight Champion after years of steady progress. Instead of rushing his career, he kept improving with every fight. His patience paid off, and today he is one of the most respected champions in the sport.

Fans and experts often praise him because he rarely makes mistakes inside the cage. He stays focused from the first second until the fight is over. Whether the match lasts one round or five, he follows his game plan with confidence.

His success has also made him one of the UFC’s top pound-for-pound fighters. That ranking shows how highly people value his skills compared with champions from every weight class. It is a sign of the respect he has earned through years of hard work.

Another reason people admire Islam Makhachev is his simple personality. Outside the cage, he stays humble and avoids unnecessary attention. Inside the cage, however, he becomes one of the most dangerous fighters in the world.

Islam Makhachev’s Early Life

Islam Makhachev was born on September 27, 1991, in Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia. He grew up in a place that has produced many successful wrestlers and martial artists. In Dagestan, combat sports are a big part of everyday life, and many children begin training at a young age.

As a young boy, he enjoyed sports and quickly became interested in wrestling. Training was never easy, but he learned that success comes through discipline, respect, and daily practice. Those lessons stayed with him as he grew older.

Life in Dagestan helped build both his body and his mindset. The training sessions were tough, and competition was always strong. Instead of feeling discouraged, he used those challenges to become better every day.

During his early years, Islam Makhachev also formed a close friendship with Khabib Nurmagomedov. They trained together for many years and shared the same coaches, values, and goals. Their friendship became one of the strongest partnerships in modern MMA.

Growing up around talented fighters also gave Makhachev confidence. He learned that every practice mattered. Small improvements each day eventually turned into big results inside the cage.

How Islam Makhachev Started Fighting

Before becoming an MMA star, Islam Makhachev spent years building his skills in combat sports. He trained in wrestling and later became highly skilled in combat sambo, a sport that mixes wrestling with striking and submissions. This background became the base of his fighting style.

Combat sambo helped him develop excellent balance, control, and submission skills. Instead of simply taking opponents down, he learned how to keep them under pressure and finish fights on the ground. These abilities would later become some of his biggest strengths in the UFC.

As he gained experience, Makhachev decided to move into professional mixed martial arts. His early fights helped him improve his striking, defense, and overall fight strategy. Every match gave him valuable lessons that prepared him for bigger opportunities.

His coaches noticed that he stayed calm even in difficult situations. Rather than rushing for quick finishes, he trusted his training. This patient approach helped him win many fights before reaching the UFC.

Even during the early part of his career, people could see that he was different. He combined wrestling, grappling, and smart decision-making in a way that made him very difficult to beat.

Islam Makhachev’s UFC Journey

Islam Makhachev joined the UFC with high hopes and strong support from his team. Like many new fighters, he faced challenges early in his career. He suffered one loss during his early UFC run, but that defeat became an important learning moment instead of a setback.

After that loss in 2015, everything began to change. Makhachev improved every part of his game and started building an impressive winning streak. Fight after fight, he defeated experienced opponents and slowly climbed the lightweight rankings.

His victories came against many respected fighters in one of the UFC’s toughest divisions. Instead of looking for easy opponents, he accepted difficult challenges and continued proving that he belonged among the best.

People also began to notice how complete his skills had become. His wrestling remained world-class, but his striking, defense, and confidence also improved. That made him a much more dangerous fighter than he had been during his early UFC years.

As his winning streak continued, fans started asking the same question: when would Islam Makhachev finally get his chance to fight for the lightweight championship? After years of consistent success, that opportunity finally arrived.

Winning the UFC Lightweight Title

Winning the UFC Lightweight Championship changed Islam Makhachev’s career forever. It was the reward for years of hard work, discipline, and steady improvement. Becoming champion also placed him among the greatest fighters ever to compete in the lightweight division.

Many people also saw his title win as the next chapter after Khabib Nurmagomedov retired from the sport. Both fighters came from Dagestan, trained together for years, and shared similar wrestling-based styles. Even so, Makhachev built his own path and created his own success.

The lightweight division has always been one of the UFC’s most competitive weight classes. Every title fight brings a tough challenger, which makes staying champion even harder than winning the belt in the first place.

Islam Makhachev quickly showed that he was ready for those challenges. Instead of slowing down after becoming champion, he continued improving. His title reign became stronger with every successful defense, proving that he belonged at the very top of the sport.

Big Win Over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284

One of the biggest moments in Islam Makhachev’s career came at UFC 284 in February 2023. It was his first title defense after becoming the UFC Lightweight Champion. The event took place at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, in front of a crowd that strongly supported hometown favorite Alexander Volkanovski.

The fight was special because Volkanovski was already the UFC Featherweight Champion. He moved up to the lightweight division hoping to become one of the few fighters in UFC history to hold two titles at the same time. Many fans called it a battle between two of the best fighters in the world.

From the opening round, both men showed great skill. Makhachev mixed his wrestling with sharp striking, while Volkanovski answered with speed, movement, and strong defense. The fight stayed close from start to finish, making it one of the most talked-about championship fights of the year.

After five hard rounds, the judges scored the fight 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 in favor of Makhachev. He won by unanimous decision and completed his first successful title defense. The victory also extended his winning streak to 12 fights and improved his professional record to 24 wins and 1 loss.

After the fight, Makhachev confidently said he had shown he was the best fighter in the world. Some fans did not agree with the decision, and Volkanovski later said he believed he had won rounds two, three, and five. He quickly asked for a rematch, showing how close and competitive the fight had been.

Even with the debate, the win became another major step in Makhachev’s career. Defeating a champion from another division proved he could handle the biggest challenges on the UFC stage.

Big Win Over Renato Moicano at UFC 311

Another huge moment came at UFC 311 in January 2025. The original title fight was supposed to be against top-ranked Arman Tsarukyan. However, Tsarukyan withdrew just one day before the event because of significant back pain linked to an injury.

Brazil’s Renato Moicano stepped in on very short notice. He entered the fight with confidence after winning nine of his previous ten fights. Even though he had little time to prepare, he accepted the biggest opportunity of his career without hesitation.

The championship fight took place at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Makhachev wasted no time showing why he was the champion. He quickly secured a takedown, controlled the action on the ground, and locked in a D’Arce choke.

Moicano had no choice but to tap out. The fight ended after just 4 minutes and 5 seconds of the first round. It was another impressive submission victory and one more example of Makhachev’s world-class grappling.

This victory improved his professional record to 27 wins and 1 loss. It also became his 15th straight victory and his 13th career win by submission. Even more importantly, it marked his fourth successful UFC lightweight title defense, making him the first lightweight champion in UFC history to defend the belt four times successfully.

After the fight, Makhachev smiled and said, “I like this belt. If somebody wants this belt, come to the cage.” When asked about his next opponent, he explained that he had no personal preference and was ready to face whoever earned the chance.

Moicano was honest after the fight. He said this was not just a one-day notice but a lifetime of preparation. Although disappointed, he admitted that Makhachev had been the better fighter that night.

Islam Makhachev’s UFC Record and Achievements

Islam Makhachev has built one of the strongest records in modern UFC history. Following his victory at UFC 311, his professional MMA record stood at 27 wins and only 1 loss. His long winning streak showed how difficult it had become for anyone to defeat him.

One of his biggest strengths is finishing fights before the judges are needed. By early 2025, he had earned 13 victories by submission. His wrestling, control, and ability to finish on the ground have become some of the best in the sport.

His championship success is just as impressive. He collected five lightweight title fight victories and became the first UFC lightweight champion to defend the belt four times successfully. That achievement placed him ahead of many famous champions in the division.

During this period, many rankings also listed him as the UFC’s number one pound-for-pound fighter. This honor is given to the athlete considered the best overall, no matter which weight class they compete in.

These records have helped make Makhachev one of the most successful lightweight fighters the UFC has ever seen. His steady improvement and ability to perform under pressure continue to strengthen his legacy.

Islam Makhachev’s Fighting Style

The biggest reason for Makhachev’s success is his complete fighting style. He does not depend on just one skill. Instead, he combines wrestling, sambo, grappling, submissions, and improved striking into one balanced game.

His wrestling allows him to take opponents to the ground almost whenever he chooses. Once there, he controls their movement, limits their attacks, and slowly creates chances to finish the fight.

Submission skills are another major part of his game. He has won many fights with techniques such as the D’Arce choke, rear-naked choke, and arm lock. His patience often forces opponents to make mistakes.

Over the years, his striking has also improved. He now throws cleaner punches, better kicks, and shows more confidence while standing. This makes opponents worry about both his striking and his wrestling at the same time.

Another important strength is his calm mindset. He rarely rushes or loses focus during a fight. Even in difficult moments, he sticks to his plan and waits for the right opening.

Because of this balanced style, many fighters find it very hard to prepare for him. They must defend against strong wrestling, dangerous submissions, and improving stand-up skills all in one fight.

Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov

Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov share one of the closest friendships in MMA. They grew up in Dagestan, trained together for many years, and learned under the guidance of the legendary coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.

Their training sessions helped both fighters improve every part of their game. They pushed each other every day and built strong respect that continues today.

When Khabib retired as undefeated UFC Lightweight Champion, many people wondered who would continue the success of Dagestan in the UFC. Makhachev answered that question by winning the same championship and defending it several times.

Even though fans often compare the two fighters, Makhachev has built his own career and achievements. His record-breaking title defenses and victories over elite opponents have created his own place in UFC history.

Khabib has remained one of Makhachev’s biggest supporters and has often been seen helping him prepare for important fights. Their teamwork has become one of the strongest partnerships in modern mixed martial arts.

(FAQs)

What is Islam Makhachev’s UFC record?

As of his successful title defense at UFC 311, Islam Makhachev holds a professional MMA record of 27 wins and 1 loss.

How did Islam Makhachev beat Alexander Volkanovski?

He defeated Alexander Volkanovski by unanimous decision after five close rounds at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia.

How many times has Islam Makhachev defended the UFC lightweight title?

He became the first UFC lightweight champion to defend the championship four successful times.

Is Islam Makhachev connected to Khabib Nurmagomedov?

Yes. They are close friends, longtime training partners, and both trained under Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov in Dagestan.

Why is Islam Makhachev considered one of the best UFC fighters?

His long winning streak, championship success, record-breaking title defenses, balanced fighting style, and victories over elite opponents have made him one of the top fighters of his era.