Islam Makhachev is one of the best fighters to ever grace the octagon, so his praise for a former rival will go a long way. The Dagestani wrestler is currently UFC welterweight champion after giving up the lightweight title without ever losing his belt inside the octagon.
Islam Makhachev has looked nearly unbeatable during his run at the top of the UFC lightweight division, which is often considered the most brutal weight class.
There is always debate about UFC welterweight title contenders, and this time is no different. Michael Morales is one of the top names in the title race, but Team Islam Makhachev is very interested in a fight with Kamaru Usman.
Islam Makhachev and Kamaru Usman stared down at UFC 324, as a future fight could follow. The exchange was presided over by Khabib Nurmagomedov, who playfully acted as a mediator, telling both men to “be nice” as they stared each other down with grins.
The current UFC welterweight champion, Islam Makhachev, may be approaching retirement sooner than expected. Last November at UFC 322, he cemented his legacy by defeating Jack Della Maddalena at a stacked MSG, becoming the 11th fighter in UFC history to hold two belts and even surpassing his mentor and legend, Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Paddy Pimblett’s title ambitions go way beyond what he could achieve at UFC 324. ‘The Baddy’ has his first opportunity to have UFC gold wrapped around his waist this Saturday, as he headlines the promotion’s debut event on Paramount+.
Islam Makhachev demonstrated a new submission called the ‘oxygen cylinder’ during training in Dagestan The technique is a variation of a head-and-arm choke
Islam Makhachev is always trying to stay ahead of the competition by adding new elements to his game. Before moving up to welterweight and capturing a second world title last year, Makhachev made history with the most lightweight title defences.
Islam Makhachev showed off his new ‘Oxygen Cylinder’ submission, showing his innovative nature to the sport. Makhachev recently made history by becoming a two-weight world champion when he defeated Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 last November to add the welterweight belt.
Islam Makhachev is one of the greatest UFC fighters on the roster, and he’s constantly working on new tricks to keep himself fresh. Before moving up to welterweight and claiming a second world title last year, Makhachev made a record-breaking number of lightweight title defences.
Days after Islam Makhachev opened up about his thoughts on life after MMA, the reigning lightweight star has offered fans a revealing insight into his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, admitting that the retired UFC legend still deeply misses the fight game.
Islam Makhachev is potentially setting up for a title defense against the undefeated contender. Following his welterweight title win over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, Islam Makhachev caused a bit of controversy when he revealed he is targeting Kamaru Usman for his first title defense.
After claiming the welterweight championship at UFC 322, Islam Makhachev named Kamaru Usman as his preferred opponent for his first title defense. While the Dagestani juggernaut stayed open to other matchups, he made it clear that a fight with the former pound-for-pound king would be a true legacy bout.
Yaroslav Amosov entered the UFC like a man in a hurry. One fight in, and he already had Neil Magny tapping, a debut that immediately informed the division that he isn’t here to “gain experience.” Amosov made it clear that he is after gold, and with Islam Makhachev sitting on the welterweight throne, the path will inevitably lead to him.
Paddy Pimblett has explained why his determination to fight Ilia Topuria soon is linked to Islam Makhachev. Paddy Pimblett’s rise through the UFC ranks has been steady, and his sights are now set on Ilia Topuria — not just to settle an old score, but because he sees it as a step toward a bigger goal.
Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev had to give vital advice to Magomed Zaynukov as his star continues to rise without ever fighting in the UFC. Zaynukov has become a viral social media star after a meme which has seen him given the nickname ‘John Pork’.
Islam Makhachev’s comments at UFC 322 had more significance than they appeared at first glance. His assessment of Jack Della Maddalena’s grappling sounded like a caution for the whole division.
UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has said yes to an Ilia Topuria fight, provided it is on his terms. Makhachev is coming off a huge 2025 where he made history by becoming a double champ.
Dillon Danis has been given a chance to settle a score. Back in November, he got into it with members of Islam Makhachev’s team while attending UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden.
What happens when the student faces his master? It’s a tough question to answer when the men involved are Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov. The pair have trained together since the start of their MMA careers.
Islam Makhachev is considered by many to be the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world right now. Now, Makhachev can be considered a multi-sport expert after his recent performances in his team's wrestling/basketball game.
Charles Oliveira has weighed in on the matchup that fans are hoping to see in 2026. Oliveira, a former UFC lightweight champion, was submitted in the second round when he faced Islam Makhachev.
It seems like everyone in the UFC wants a piece of Islam Makhachev these days, but actually getting into the ring with him is a whole different story—especially when we’re talking about grappling matches on the side.
The UFC’s plans to usher in the Paramount+ era with a star-powered headliner featuring Islam Makhachev ultimately ran into a familiar obstacle: timing.