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Lightweight Division

#1 PFP

Active

Title Holder

Islam Makhachev

Lightweight Division

25-1-0 (W-L-D)

13

Fight Win Streak

5

Wins by Knockout

11

Wins by Submission

Islam Makhachev

athlete record

Info

Learn more about Islam Makhachev's UFC history, fighter facts, and Q&A below.

Status
Active
Place of Birth
Dagestan Republic, Russia
Trains at
AKA (American Kickboxing Academy) San Jose
Fighting style
Sambo
Age
32
Height
70.00
Weight
155.00
Octagon Debut
May. 23, 2015
Reach
70.50
Leg reach
40.50
  • Pro since 2010
     
  • Was coached by father of retired UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov
     
  • Five wins by knockout, 11 by submission (2 triangle, 3 RNC, 3 armbar, 2 arm triangle, kimura)
     
  • On 13 fight winning streak
     
  • 10 first round finishes

UFC 294 (10/21/23) Makhachev knocked out Alexander Volkanovski at 3:06 of the first round to retain his UFC lightweight title 

UFC 284 (2/11/23) Makhachev won a five round unanimous decision over Alexander Volkanovski to retain his UFC lightweight title 

UFC 280 (10/22/22) Makhachev submitted Charles Oliveira via arm triangle choke at 3:16 of the second round to win the vacant UFC lightweight championship

UFC Fight Night (2/26/22) Makhachev stopped Bobby Green via strikes at 3:23 of the first round

UFC 267 (10/30/21) Makhachev submitted Dan Hooker via kimura at 2:25 of the first round

UFC on ESPN (7/17/21) Makhachev submitted Thiago Moises via rear naked choke at 2:38 of the fourth round

UFC 259 (3/6/21) Makhachev submitted Drew Dober via arm triangle choke at 1:37 of the third round

UFC 242 (9/7/19) Makhachev won a three round unanimous decision over Davi Ramos

UFC Fight Night (4/20/19) Makhachev won a three round unanimous decision over Arman Tsarukyan

UFC on FOX (7/28/18) Makhachev submitted Kajan Johnson via armbar at 4:43 of the first round

UFC 220 (1/20/18) Makhachev knocked out Gleison Tibau at :57 of the first round

UFC 208 (2/11/17) Makhachev won a three round unanimous decision over Nik Lentz

UFC Fight Night (9/17/16) Makhachev won a three round unanimous decision over Chris Wade

UFC 192 (10/3/15) Makhachev was knocked out by Adriano Martins at 1:46 of the first round

UFC 187 (5/23/15) Makhachev submitted Leo Kuntz via rear naked choke at 2:38 of the second round

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training at 10 years old, just for self-defense and to be strong.

What ranks and titles have you held? Combat sambo World and European champion, four-time Russian champ.

Do you have any heroes? Muslim Amiraslanov

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It’s a chance to make a big statement to the whole world.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Dagestan State University. Athletic faculty

What was your job before you started fighting? Student

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? International master of sport in combat sambo.

Favorite grappling technique: Twister submission

Favorite Striking technique: Jab