People broadly respect Russia’s first-class MMA star Islam Makhachev, born October 27, 1991, in Makhachkala, Dagestan, as one of the pound-for-pound greats in blended military expressions. Standing 5ʹ10″ with a 70.5″ reach, the southpaw trains with Falcons MMA and American Kickboxing Institute (AKA), profoundly established in the wrestling convention of his homeland.
Early Life and Battling Roots
Makhachev grew up in Burshi, a little town in Dagestan, where his coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov introduced him to wrestling at an early age. The region’s wealthy combat legacy moulded him into a restrained sambo and wrestling master, afterwards mixing hooking with striking to end up a total MMA athlete.
Rise to UFC and Lightweight Dominance
Islam made its UFC debut in May 2015 and continued through lightweight divisions. He captured the vacant light title at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi on 22 October 2022, causing Charles Olivera to fall down in a moment. That win checked his climb to winner status and started a notable run.
He made another title defence on February 12, 2023, at UFC 284—knocking out featherweight winner Alexander Volkanovski with a head kick to score a highlight-reel wrap-up and gain Battle of the Night honours.
Islam’s rule proceeded at UFC 302 on June 1, 2024, in Newark: he crushed Dustin Poirier by means of D’Arce choke in the fifth round to secure both Execution and Battle of the Night rewards, advancing and cementing his legacy in the division.
UFC 311 and Last 155‑lb Defense
On January 18, 2025, at UFC 311 in Inglewood, Makhachev was slated to rematch Arman Tsarukyan for the lightweight title. Tsarukyan pulled back with a back injury, canceling the bout a fair few days before the battle. Renato Moicano ventured in, but Islam dispatched him rapidly, applying a brabo choke in the circle to hold his belt.
That triumph examined his final rescue in Lightweight and extended his long undefined streak in the UFC. His record is currently in a loss with 27 wins and 13 housing win, 5 TKOs and 9 decisions, reflecting flexibility and dominance.
Strategic Trick: Go to Welterweight
In May 2025, Islam emptied the UFC lightweight title, signaling his expectation to seek a moment championship in the 170‑lb welterweight division. His coach, Javier Mendez, affirmed that Islam will likely have three more battles sometime recently retirement, making the move part of a legacy-minded plan.
His following rival will be recently delegated welterweight winner Jack Della Maddalena, taking after Della Maddalena’s win over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315. Islam points to secure the welterweight belt in either October or November 2025—with potential settings beneath thought counting Madison Square Garden or Abu Dhabi.
If triumphant, he would have become a two-division champion—an uncommon and top-notch achievement in UFC history.
Rankings and Superfight Speculation
Following UFC 318 in Unused Orleans, the media positioning board set Ilia Topuria at No. 1 pound‑for‑pound, followed by Makhachev at No. 2, and Merab Dvalishvili in third. With Dustin Poirier’s retirement, divisions are moving, and unused matchups are quickly forming.
Although fans clamored for a battle between Islam and Ilia Topuria (the modern lightweight winner), Makhachev emphasized that confronting Topuria—then problematic at 155 lbs—did not align with his bequest procedure. Hence, he prioritized the welterweight title challenge to begin with. Topuria will step up to confront Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight championship at UFC 317.
Legacy and Future Outlook
Coach Mendez uncovered that Islam’s proficient timeline aligns with the case set by Khabib Nurmagomedov, resigning in his early thirties while still prevailing. At 33, a long time ancient, Islam has gathered championships over divisions, tip top specialized wrestling, and an undefeated streak in major title fights.
If he wins the welterweight belt, his anticipated retirement after, as it were, a few more bouts will be seen as cementing a bequest or maybe than dragging out a dynamic career. His monetary steadiness, battling logic, and desire around bequest direct this direct path.
Impact and Influence
Islam Makhachev has re-imagined dominance in the lightweight division, expanding the legacy of Dagestani grappling on a worldwide organize. He carries forward the taught, preparing ethos from Khabib’s time, including advanced striking and key adaptability.
The choice to chase double-champ status instead of locking in possibly profitable superfights at lightweight underscores his desire for concrete accomplishments over buildup. It sends a message over MMA: bequest trumps superstardom.
Key Highlights and Stats
- Date of Birth: October 27, 1991 (33 a long time old)
- Record: 27–1 (13 entries, 5 TKOs, 9 decisions)
- Title Wins: UFC Lightweight Winner (2022), battled at UFC 302, UFC 311; set to point for UFC Welterweight Championship
- Signature Wins: Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski, Dustin Poirier, Renato Moicano
- Planned Retirement: Possibly after three more battles, focusing on the double weight course legacy
- Next Bout: Against Jack Della Maddalena, likely in late 2025
- Preferred Scene: Madison Square Cultivate or Abu Dhabi
Why Islam Makhachev Matters in 2025
- Pound-for-pound fabulousness: Seen as one of the best warriors globally.
- An unused chapter: Moving to welterweight cementsthe desire to compete and succeed over divisions.
- Legacy over buildup: Chooses title openings over showy superfights.
- Regional pride: Proceeds Dagestan’s solid convention of wrestling dominance.
- Influence: His restrained approach and early retirement have reshaped how warriors oversee their careers.
Conclusion
Islam Makhachev stands at an essential intersection in 2025: having prevailed in lightweight, he strongly seeks the welterweight crown in a carefully arranged move that keeps up his glory and seeks after history.
With a few battles cleared out on his arranged proficient bend, Makhachev will now define not just his legacy, but the broader narrative of how elite fighters move between weight classes and approach chapters of their careers. His other title battle may be his last ascent—capping a career of persistent exactness, teaching, and championship-level aspiration.
