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).
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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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
