Islam Makhachev

Biography

Islam Makhachev, born on October 27, 1991, hails from the rugged highlands of Dagestan, a region known for producing some of the world’s most formidable wrestlers and fighters. Growing up in this environment imbued Makhachev with an unwavering tenacity and indomitable spirit. His journey into mixed martial arts (MMA) was not just a career choice but a continuation of a cultural tradition deeply rooted in his homeland.

Makhachev is of Avar ethnicity, one of the largest ethnic groups in Dagestan. His early years in Makhachkala were marked by a disciplined lifestyle. Wrestling and sambo, both highly popular sports in Dagestan, formed the bedrock of his early athletic development. From a young age, Makhachev trained under the tutelage of revered coaches who imparted the intricacies of these combat sports.

In 2015, Islam made his UFC debut, marking the beginning of a journey that would eventually lead to him becoming the UFC Lightweight Champion. Despite facing challenges along the way, including a controversial loss and suspensions, Makhachev’s determination and work ethic never wavered. His relentless quest for excellence, combined with the superior training from his coaches and the moral support from his family and friends, culminated in his rise to the pinnacle of the UFC lightweight division.

Makhachev’s life outside the octagon is equally inspiring. A devout Muslim, he adheres to a disciplined lifestyle that includes rigorous training, religious practices, and a commitment to his community. The values of humility, respect, and perseverance instilled in him during his formative years continue to guide his actions both inside and outside the ring.

Islam Makhachev’s MMA career is a testament to the virtues of hard work, dedication, and strategic acumen. Beginning his professional journey in 2010, he amassed a 12-0 record in various promotions before signing with the UFC in 2015. His initial bouts showcased a fighter with an exceptional grappling base, stemming from his extensive background in Sambo, a discipline in which Makhachev has earned multiple accolades, including a world championship.

Islam’s UFC debut was against Leo Kuntz at UFC 187, a bout he won convincingly via submission in the second round. This victory was a strong statement, indicating that Makhachev was a formidable contender in the lightweight division. However, his journey was not without setbacks. In his second bout, he faced Adriano Martins at UFC 192 and suffered a first-round knockout, the only loss in his career thus far.

One of the most significant milestones of Makhachev’s career came at UFC 267, where he faced and defeated Dan Hooker via submission in the first round. This victory catapulted him into the title contention, leading to his eventual championship bout against Charles Oliveira. In a career-defining fight, Islam showcased his striking improvements and unparalleled grappling skills, winning the UFC Lightweight Championship and solidifying his place among the elites in the sport.

As of the time of writing, Makhachev holds an impressive record of 22 wins and only 1 loss, with a considerable number of his victories coming by way of submission. His career reflects not just individual talent but also the collective effort of his coaches, training partners, and the unwavering support from his community.

Islam Makhachev Ranking

Makhachev is the UFC LIGHTWEIGHT Champion and he is the #1 pound-for-pound fighter. He is the undefeated UFC fighter with 25 wins and 1 loss. Islam makhachev loss one match with Adriano Martins in Oct 2015 on UFC-192. But he comes back again and is still undefeated. His last match was Alexander Volkanovski on 2 Feb 2023 and he won the match with the decision.

Islam Makhachev Coach

Islam Makhachev’s rise to the apex of the UFC lightweight division is not just a story of individual brilliance but also one of meticulous coaching and mentorship. The cornerstone of his training has been the legendary Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, a name synonymous with grappling excellence and a strategic mastermind in the MMA world.

Abdulmanap, the father of the undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov, played a pivotal role in building Makhachev’s career. Under Abdulmanap’s guidance, Makhachev developed a grappling-centric style, characterized by relentless takedowns, positional dominance, and a suffocating ground game. Abdulmanap’s holistic approach to MMA training, which blended traditional wrestling techniques with striking and jiu-jitsu, was instrumental in shaping Makhachev’s fight IQ and adaptability in the octagon.

Training at the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) in San Jose, California, further augmented Makhachev’s skill set. Here, he had access to world-class facilities and the opportunity to spar with elite fighters, including his close friend and training partner, Khabib Nurmagomedov. At AKA, under the stewardship of head coach Javier Mendez, Islam refined his striking and integrated it seamlessly with his grappling.

An Interesting Story: Khabib Father’s Plan

Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, the late and great coach who mentored both Khabib and Islam, always had a grand vision of producing world champions from Dagestan. His plan for Islam was meticulous and strategic. Despite not being as publicly acclaimed as his other coaching projects initially, Abdulmanap was consistent in his belief that Islam was destined for greatness.

From the outset, Abdulmanap emphasized the importance of patience and gradual progression. He often said, “It’s not just about winning fights; it’s about learning and evolving with each fight.” This philosophy was deeply ingrained in Islam’s training regimen.

One of the most notable stories involves a conversation Abdulmanap had with Islam after his first loss. Rather than focusing on the defeat, Abdulmanap highlighted the lessons it offered. “You have faced adversity, and you are stronger for it. This is part of the journey to becoming a champion,” he asserted. This approach helped Islam navigate the psychological challenges of that setback and come back stronger than ever.

Relationship with Brothers

Islam Makhachev’s relationship with his brothers has been foundational to his success. His elder brothers, who also engaged in wrestling and combat sports, were his first mentors and sparring partners. Growing up, the Makhachev household was a cradle for budding athletes, where discipline, training, and mutual support were paramount.

Islam often speaks fondly of his brothers, crediting them for instilling in him the values of hard work and perseverance. Their bond extends beyond familial ties, reflecting a shared passion for martial arts and a collective drive for excellence. The Makhachev brothers regularly train together, providing each other with insights and support that are crucial in maintaining peak performance.

Relationship between Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov

The bond between Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov transcends friendship; it’s more akin to brotherhood. Having grown up together and trained under the same coaches, their relationship is built on mutual respect, admiration, and shared goals.

Khabib, after his own successful career, has taken up a more active role in mentoring and cornering Makhachev during fights. His experience, advice, and presence have been invaluable to Islam’s journey in the UFC. Both fighters share a deep commitment to representing Dagestan and upholding the legacy of their coach, Abdulmanap.

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