Makhachev Becomes A Robbery Victim

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Apr 13, 2026 5:30 AM ET

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev says he was the victim of a robbery while traveling through Italy.

Makhachev attended the UEFA Champions League quarter-final in Paris, where he watched PSG secure a 2-0 first-leg lead over Liverpool. Islam met Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, one of the goalscorers, who presented Makhachev with his match-worn boots. Makhachev then transited via Italy and had his suitcase stolen which had the boots. While Makhachev’s passport was not stolen, Islam wanted the boots.

“The most valuable thing in the suitcase were the football boots. Thieves, if football isn’t your thing, I’ll take them back,” Makhachev said

Category	Status	Details
Location	Italy / Europe	Post-fight recovery
The Robbery	Suitcase Stolen	Match-worn boots lost; Passport spared
Next UFC Fight	August 2026	Targeted welterweight title defense
P4P Ranking	#1	Status remains undisputed despite hand injury

While Makhachev continues to trade barbs with Ilia Topuria over “failed negotiations,” his immediate focus is clearly on recovering both his physical health and his stolen items. However, he has had to deal with claims he is ducking Topuria.

“Everyone agrees that Islam and Ilia might be the biggest fight in UFC history. Don’t you think it should have the biggest pay day in UFC history? I’d be a damn fool to take that for less than the right numbers for that fight. Why would I do that? “It’s not like I asked for $100 million. I didn’t ask for $50 million. I asked for a number that I think is super reasonable. You guys are telling me that Ilia Topuria is running from Islam Makhachev? We’re asking for that fight. We actually want to move up to 170, fight him there, and win that third belt,” Malki Kawa (Topuria’s manager)

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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