Islam Makhachev
Welterweight · Russia · UFC
Combat-sambo grappler with suffocating top control
Chain wrestling into arm-triangle submissions
Record & stats
| Division | Welterweight |
|---|---|
| Categories | MMA |
| Promotion | UFC |
| Nationality | Russia |
| Born | Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia |
| Team | American Kickboxing Academy / Eagles MMA |
| Pro debut | 2010 |
| Height | 178cm |
| Reach | 178cm |
| Stance | Southpaw |
| Age | 34 |
| KO rate | 64% |
| Status | Active |
How the wins come
64% Finish rate- 5 KO/TKO · 18%
- 13 Submission · 46%
- 10 Decision · 36%
Titles & honors
- UFC Welterweight Champion
- Former UFC Lightweight Champion
Biography
Islam Makhachev is the reigning UFC Welterweight Champion and one of the most dominant fighters of his era. A combat-sambo product of Dagestan, he trains out of the Eagles MMA / American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) system, mentored by the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov and longtime training partner Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Makhachev won the vacant Lightweight title at UFC 280 (2022), submitting Charles Oliveira with an arm-triangle, then turned back featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski twice — a decision at UFC 284 and a head-kick KO at UFC 294. He added a submission of Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 (2024).
In November 2025 he moved up and outclassed Jack Della Maddalena over five rounds at UFC 322 in Madison Square Garden to become a two-division champion. His game is built on relentless takedowns, positional control and timely submissions, layered with patient, technical striking. He enters mid-2026 as welterweight champion, with his next defense yet to be announced.
Fight history
- WJack Della MaddalenaW UD 5
- WRenato MoicanoW SUB R1
FAQ
- What is Islam Makhachev's MMA record?
- Islam Makhachev holds a professional MMA record of 28-1 as of June 2026.
- Is Islam Makhachev a UFC champion?
- Yes. He is the reigning UFC Welterweight Champion, having beaten Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in November 2025 after moving up from lightweight, where he had also been champion.
- Who has Islam Makhachev beaten?
- His notable wins include Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski (twice), Dustin Poirier and Jack Della Maddalena.
- What team does Makhachev train with?
- He trains within the Eagles MMA and American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) systems, alongside Khabib Nurmagomedov.