Khabib's protégé and pound-for-pound number one — the most dominant wrestling-based champion in UFC history.
Islam Makhachev was born in Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia in 1991. He grew up training with Khabib Nurmagomedov — the two were close friends and training partners from childhood. Khabib's father Abdulmanap trained both fighters. He moved to the United States to train at the American Kickboxing Academy alongside Khabib. He made his UFC debut in 2015. He won the UFC Lightweight Championship in 2022 by defeating Charles Oliveira — with Khabib in his corner. He has defended the title five times with dominant performances. He holds the pound-for-pound number one ranking across multiple major MMA outlets. His wrestling — Dagestani sambo, with exceptional takedown accuracy, cage control and submission offence — mirrors Khabib's style with additional striking. His submission of Alexander Volkanovski in his rematch with a rear naked choke in under three minutes was one of the most technically complete title-fight performances in the UFC's recent history. He is the most dominant lightweight champion since Khabib retired undefeated.
UFC Lightweight Champion (2022–present)
Career Honours
- UFC Lightweight Champion (2022–present)
- Pound-for-Pound #1 (multiple rankings)
- Unbeaten title defences 5