Islam Makhachev (born 27 October 1991) is a Russian professional mixed martial artist and former sambo competitor. He competes in the welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is the current welterweight champion and former lightweight champion. Makhachev began his professional career in 2010 and signed with the UFC in 2014. Known for his winning streaks and title defenses, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time.
Early life and sambo
Makhachev was raised in a remote village in Dagestan, where he began practicing taekwondo as a child and later trained in other combat sports. He gave up combat sports for a period before returning to training under Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. He studied physical education while working as a security guard. He won national sambo titles in 2014 and 2016, and later captured the world gold medal at the 2016 World Combat Sambo Championship.
UFC career
Makhachev debuted in the UFC in 2015 after a series of wins in the M-1 Global promotion. He suffered his only professional defeat early in his UFC run, then won a long series of fights. He holds several UFC lightweight records, including the longest winning streak and the most title-fight victories. He became a double champion after defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, and later extended his winning streak to 17 fights.