Islam Makhachev stands as one of the most dominant forces in modern mixed martial arts. A proud son of Dagestan, Russia, and a close friend and protégé of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev has carved out his own legacy as the UFC Lightweight Champion and the current pound-for-pound king. Let’s break down his journey, achievements, personal life, and what makes him a global MMA superstar.
Islam Makhachev’s Biography
| Field | Information |
| Name | Islam Ramazanovich Makhachev |
| Nickname | N/A |
| Born | October 27, 1991 |
| Age | 33 years |
| College | Dagestan State University, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports |
| Religion | Islam |
| Nationality | Russian |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Turned Pro | 2010 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $6–7 million |
| Salary (per fight) | $1,500,000 base; top purses up to $3–5 million with bonuses and PPV points |
| Spouse | Married |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Children | Three |
| Instagram Profile | @islam_makhachev |
Early Career
Islam Makhachev was born in Makhachkala, Dagestan, and grew up in Burshi. He began martial arts at age seven, training in taekwondo, then switched to sanda and later to wrestling and combat sambo. Inspired by Khabib Nurmagomedov and guided by Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, he quickly excelled, winning national and world titles in combat sambo. His discipline and relentless work ethic set the stage for his MMA career.
Professional Career
Turning professional in 2010, Makhachev fought across Russian promotions, amassing an undefeated streak before joining the UFC in 2015. He won his debut but suffered his only career loss in his second UFC fight. Undeterred, he embarked on a record-breaking winning streak, showcasing elite grappling, sambo, and striking skills. In 2022, he captured the UFC Lightweight Championship by submitting Charles Oliveira.
He has since defended his title against top contenders like Alexander Volkanovski (twice) and Dustin Poirier, cementing his status as the division’s most dominant force. His technical mastery, composure, and relentless pressure have drawn comparisons to Khabib, but Makhachev has forged his own path, becoming the UFC’s pound-for-pound number one.
Islam Makhachev’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Islam Makhachev’s net worth is estimated between $6 million and $7 million. This figure reflects his fight purses, performance bonuses, and lucrative endorsement deals, making him one of the wealthiest fighters in the lightweight division.
Fight Purses
| Fight (Event) | Purse (USD) |
| UFC 302 vs. Dustin Poirier | $1,842,000 |
| UFC 294 vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2 | $2,542,000 |
| UFC 284 vs. Alexander Volkanovski | $1,492,000 |
| UFC 280 vs. Charles Oliveira | $532,000 |
| UFC Fight Night vs. Bobby Green | $211,000 |
| UFC 267 vs. Dan Hooker | $211,000 |
| UFC Vegas 31 vs. Thiago Moises | $186,000 |
| UFC 259 vs. Drew Dober | $151,000 |
| UFC 242 vs. Davi Ramos | $66,000 |
| UFC 311 vs. Renato Moicano | $3–5 million |
Endorsements
- Venum (official UFC apparel sponsor)
- Monster Energy
- Gorilla Energy Drink
- Wahed Invest (fintech)
- YoungLA (sportswear)
- Al Hadaya (Islamic merchandise)
Career Records
| Opponent | Result | Event | Method | Date |
| Dustin Poirier | Win | UFC 302 | Submission | Jun 1, 2024 |
| Alexander Volkanovski | Win | UFC 294 | KO/TKO | Oct 21, 2023 |
| Alexander Volkanovski | Win | UFC 284 | Decision | Feb 11, 2023 |
| Charles Oliveira | Win | UFC 280 | Submission | Oct 22, 2022 |
| Bobby Green | Win | UFC Vegas 49 | TKO | Feb 26, 2022 |
| Dan Hooker | Win | UFC 267 | Submission | Oct 30, 2021 |
| Thiago Moises | Win | UFC Vegas 31 | Submission | Jul 17, 2021 |
| Drew Dober | Win | UFC 259 | Submission | Mar 6, 2021 |
| Arman Tsarukyan | Win | UFC Fight Night | Decision | Apr 20, 2019 |
| Adriano Martins | Loss | UFC 192 | KO | Oct 3, 2015 |
FAQs
1. Who is Islam Makhachev?
Islam Makhachev is a Russian professional mixed martial artist and former world champion in combat sambo. He is best known for his dominant run in the UFC lightweight division, where he set records for title defenses and winning streaks.
2. What is Islam Makhachev’s MMA record?
Makhachev has an outstanding professional MMA record, including a 23-1-0 run in the UFC, with multiple consecutive victories and successful title defenses.
3. When and where was Islam Makhachev born?
He was born on October 27, 1991, in Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia.
4. What are Islam Makhachev’s major achievements in combat sports?
He is a former UFC Lightweight Champion, a world champion in combat sambo (FIAS World Sambo Champion 2016), and a multi-time Russian national champion in sambo.
5. What is unique about Islam Makhachev’s fighting style?
Makhachev is renowned for his grappling, wrestling, and submission skills, often finishing fights with techniques like the D’Arce choke, rear-naked choke, and kimura. He also boasts the highest striking accuracy in UFC lightweight history.
6. Who has been a key influence in Islam Makhachev’s career?
Khabib Nurmagomedov, former UFC champion and fellow Dagestani, has been a mentor and primary training partner, shaping Makhachev’s approach and philosophy in MMA.
7. What is Islam Makhachev’s training regimen like?
His training combines intense wrestling drills, striking, grappling, and rigorous conditioning, including mountain runs and stone lifting, reflecting both traditional Dagestani methods and modern MMA techniques.
8. Why did Islam Makhachev leave the lightweight division?
After a historic reign and record-setting title defenses, Makhachev vacated the lightweight belt to pursue a new challenge in the UFC welterweight division.
9. Has Islam Makhachev competed in other sports?
Yes, as a child, he participated in football, wrestling, and various striking and grappling martial arts before focusing on sambo and MMA.
10. What is Islam Makhachev’s legacy in the UFC?
He holds the record for the longest lightweight winning streak, multiple title defenses, and is regarded as one of the most dominant and technically skilled fighters in UFC lightweight history.