UFC: Islam Makhachev in profile

Everything you need to know about mixed martial artist, and UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev.

Islam Makhachev

Born:	27th October 1991
Age:	31
Birthplace:	Dagestan, Russia
Resides:	Dagestan, Russia
Height:	5ft 10ins
Reach:	70ins
Style:	Sambo
Weight Division:	Lightweight
UFC Record	13-1 (2kos)
MMA Record	25-1 (4kos)
Next Fight:	Alexander Volkanovski (Saturday 21st October)

Makhachev v Oliveira

Makhachev and Charles Oliveira were due to clash for the second time in Abu Dhabi as the main event of UFC 294 on Saturday 21st Ocotober, but Brazillian star Oliveira was forced to withdraw due to injury, meaning Makhachev will lock horns with Australian Alexander Volkanovski once more instead. 

The Dagestan-born mixed martial artist is the 4/9 favourite for the Etihad Arena contest, with Volkanovski 15/8 to exact revenge for his defeat in the first bout back in February. 

The 31-year-old was given his first chance at a UFC title when he took on Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title last year. He landed an arm-triangle choke, forcing the Brazilian to submit in Abu Dhabi and claiming his first UFC belt.

Makhachev is already targeting a second UFC title and that may come in the 160lbs division. 

Speaking to ESPN, the Russian said: 

"I don't know what the UFC has planned, but my dream fight is for the second belt. Of course, I am under contract, so whatever the UFC says, I will fight, no problem. But Edwards v Colby - I really believe I can beat [the winner]. 

"I look at their skills and what they have as champion and I know my skills. It's going to be a good fight. I'm not saying I'm going to beat them easy. It's going to be a hard, tough fight against a big guy. But I believe I can finish those guys."

Makhachev first has to come through his bout on 21st October, but a victory may open up plenty of doors for the impressive 31-year-old. 

UFC debut in 2015

Makhachev had been making waves in his native Russia and the Makhachkala man was 10 fights unbeaten before making the switch to the UFC. 

The 31-year-old faced Leo Kuntz at UFC 187 in Las Vegas in 2015 and made an instant impact.

The Dagestan-born fighter submitted Kuntz in the second round, marking a perfect debut for the man who had just signed a four-fight deal with the mixed martial arts promotion. 

First defeat and suspension 

Makhachev made no mistake in his opening UFC contest but things didn't go according to plan when he took on Adriano Martins at the end of 2015. 

The Brazilian landed a huge right hand to knock out Makhachev in the first-round and that remains the first and only defeat of his career. 

He was then expected to face Drew Dober in April 2016 as he looked to recover from the knockout loss to Martins, but the plug was pulled on that contest after he failed an out-of-competition drug screening.

USADA lifted the suspension after a hearing and the Dagestan-born mixed martial artist made his return when beating Chris Wade at UFC Fight Night 94 in September 2016. 

First UFC title

Makhachev has won 10 fights on the bounce since his defeat to Martins. The 31-year-old was involved in Fight of the Night when tackling Arman Tsarukyan in 2019 and stepped up to 160lbs to knock out Bobby Green in 2022.

The 31-year-old then battled Oliveira for the vacant UFC lightweight title in the UAE and needed no second invitation. 

Makhachev made a successful defence of his strap when beating Alexander Volkanovski by unanimous decision in Australia earlier this year and the lightweight king is now set to reunite with Oliveira.

Islam Makhachev Net Worth...

Makhachev's net worth is reported to be around $1 million.

How to watch Islam Makhachev...

Makhachev is contracted to the UFC and TNT Sports have exclusive rights to the promotion in the UK. The Makhachev v Volkanovski rematch will be shown live on the network. 

Who is Islam Makhachev's trainer?

The 31-year-old is part of the EAGLES MMA Club located in Dagestan, Russia and is trained by head coach Javier Mendez, though he often trains alongside compatriot and UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov.