Islam Makhachev Biography, Islam Ramazanovich Makhachev born October 27, 1991 is a Russian professional mixed martial artist and former sambo competitor. He currently competes in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he holds the title of UFC Lightweight Champion. Makhachev has been competing professionally since 2010 and became a Combat Sambo World Champion in 2016, as well as a two-time Russian national champion at 74 kg (2014, 2016). As of November 7, 2023, he is ranked #1 in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings.
Islam Makhachev Biography
Islam Makhachev, born on October 27, 1991, in Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia, comes from the small village of Brushi. Known for his Sambo skills, he has become a prominent figure in MMA. Makhachev’s journey in combat sports began with a victory over Valentin Benishiv at the World Sambo Championship. He made his professional MMA debut on August 1, 2010, at Tsumada Fighting Championship 4, where he defeated Magomed Bekbolatov by unanimous decision. Makhachev went on to win 12 consecutive fights before experiencing his first and only loss to Adriano Martins at UFC 192. Currently, Makhachev holds the top spot in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings, with an impressive record of 26 wins and 1 loss (26-1-0).
Islam Makhachev Biography Details
| Born | Islam Ramazanovich Makhachev 27 October 1991 (age 33) Makhachkala, Dagestan ASSR, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union |
| Native name | Ислам Махачев |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight | 155 lb (70 kg; 11 st 1 lb) |
| Division | Lightweight |
| Reach | 70 in (178 cm) |
| Style | Combat sambo |
| Fighting out of | Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia |
| Team | American Kickboxing Academy Fight Spirit Team Gadzhi Makhachev freestyle wrestling club Old School Fighters KHK MMA Team Eagles MMA |
| Trainer | Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov (former) Javier Mendez Khabib Nurmagomedov |
| Rank | International Master of Sport in Combat Sambo |
| Category | WWE News |
See More:
About Islam Makhachev
Islam Ramazanovich Makhachev is a Russian professional mixed martial artist and former sambo competitor. He currently competes in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where he is the current UFC Lightweight Champion.
- Born: 27 October 1991 (age 33 years), Makhachkala, Russia
- Weight: 70 kg
- Height: 78 m
- Style: Combat sambo
- Division: Lightweight
- Fighting out of: Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia
- Trainer: Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov (former); Javier Mendez; Khabib Nurmagomedov
See More: Chris Bey Biography
Early Life
Makhachev is an ethnic Lak and was born in Makhachkala, growing up in the remote village of Burshi, which was part of the Dagestan ASSR in the Soviet Union at the time and is now part of the Republic of Dagestan, Russia. His father worked as a driver and grew tomatoes, while his mother was a housewife who also ran a small café. Makhachev has an older brother named Kurbanismail.
He began practicing taekwondo at the age of seven under the guidance of decorated champion Seyfula Magomedov. Later, while attending school, he switched to sanda and trained alongside Abubakar Nurmagomedov, where he also met Khabib Nurmagomedov, Shamil Zavurov, and their family. However, after his family moved to a new town, Makhachev stepped away from combat sports and played soccer for two years.
See More: Impa Kasanganay Biography
Islam Makhachev’s Endorsements
Makhachev has secured lucrative endorsement deals with prominent brands like Gorilla Energy Drink, which specializes in energy and hydration drinks, and Al Hadaya, a company that offers unique Islamic merchandise. Additionally, he has partnered with Wahed Invest, a fintech company based in New York.
Islam Makhachev’s House
Islam Makhachev resides in Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia, where he trains. Details about his home are not publicly disclosed.
See More: Sunny Edwards Biography
Islam Makhachev Net Worth $6 million in 2025
Islam Makhachev’s net worth is estimated to be over $6 million in 2025, with the majority of his earnings coming from his fight purses and bonuses. His income is also supplemented by numerous sponsorships and endorsement deals. Throughout his career, Makhachev’s earnings have consistently risen. Some of his notable paydays include $105,000 for his fight against Drew Dober, $109,000 for facing Arman Tsarukyan, and $131,000 for his bout with Dan Hooker. His largest earnings came from title fights, including over $1.5 million for his victory against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 and a similar sum for defending his title against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294.
See More: Jade Cargill Biography
Islam Makhachev’s Salary
Makhachev currently earns a base salary of $1.5 million, not including additional bonuses and sponsorships. After submitting Dustin Poirier at UFC 303, he reportedly earned a total of around $2 million for the win, which included bonuses and other incentives.