Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Islam Makhachev

How Islam Makhachev built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Islam Makhachev is a Russian mixed martial artist and former sambo competitor. Currently the UFC Lightweight Champion, he also boasts a Combat Sambo World Championship (2016) and two Russian national championships. As of November 2023, he holds the #1 spot in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings, solidifying his position as a dominant force in the sport.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2010: Start of Professional Career

In 2010, Islam Makhachev began his professional mixed martial arts career.

February 2011: M-1 Global Debut

In February 2011, Islam Makhachev made his M-1 Global debut against Tengiz Khuchua and won the fight via KO in the first round.

April 2013: M-1 Challenge 38 Fight

On April 2013, Makhachev faced Mansour Barnaoui at M-1 Challenge 38 and won via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 30–27).

August 2013: M-1 Challenge 41 Fight

In August 2013, Makhachev faced Rander Junio at M-1 Challenge 41 and won via unanimous decision.

February 2014: Russian National Combat Sambo Championship Win

In February 2014, Makhachev won the -74 kg division at the Russian National Combat Sambo Championship, qualifying for the world championship in Japan.

June 2014: M-1 Challenge 49 Fight

In June 2014, Makhachev faced Yuri Ivlev at M-1 Challenge 49, dominating the fight and winning by submission via armbar.

September 2014: Final M-1 Global Bout

On September 2014, in his final bout for M-1 Global before signing with the UFC, Makhachev defeated Ivica Truscek via submission in the third round.

October 2014: Signs with UFC

On October 2014, Makhachev signed a four-fight contract with the UFC.

2014: Russian National Champion

In 2014, Islam Makhachev became a Russian national champion at 74 kg.

May 2015: UFC 187 Victory

On May 2015, at UFC 187, Makhachev submitted Leo Kuntz in the second round.

October 2015: Loss at UFC 192

In October 2015, Makhachev faced Adriano Martins at UFC 192 and lost via knockout in the first round, marking his first professional loss.

April 2016: UFC on Fox 19 Bout Cancellation

In April 2016, Makhachev's scheduled bout against Drew Dober at UFC on Fox 19 was cancelled after he failed an out-of-competition drug screening for meldonium.

July 2016: USADA Suspension Lifted

In July 2016, USADA lifted Makhachev's suspension after determining that the banned substance meldonium was prescribed in November 2015 for a heart condition.

September 2016: UFC Fight Night 94 Victory

On September 2016, Makhachev faced Chris Wade at UFC Fight Night 94 and won the fight via unanimous decision.

2016: Combat Sambo World Champion

In 2016, Islam Makhachev became a combat sambo world champion.

2016: Second National Championship and World Championship

In 2016, Makhachev won the -74 kg division again at the national championship, qualifying for the world championship and subsequently winning gold at the 2016 World Combat Sambo Championship, defeating Valentin Benishev of Bulgaria in the finals.

February 2017: UFC 208 Victory

In February 2017, Makhachev faced Nik Lentz at UFC 208 and won the fight by unanimous decision.

September 2017: UFC Fight Night 115 Withdrawal

In September 2017, Makhachev was expected to face Michel Prazeres at UFC Fight Night 115 but pulled out of the fight in early August for a religious reason.

January 2018: UFC 220 Victory

In January 2018, Makhachev fought Gleison Tibau at UFC 220 and won the fight by knockout in 57 seconds in the first round.

July 2018: UFC on Fox 30 Victory

In July 2018, Makhachev faced Kajan Johnson at UFC on Fox 30, securing a submission victory via armbar in the first round.

November 2018: Pulled Out from the event

On November 2018, Makhachev was pulled out from UFC 233 due to undisclosed reason.

January 2019: UFC 233 Pulled Out

In January 2019, Makhachev was expected to face Francisco Trinaldo at UFC 233. However, he was pulled out from the event due to undisclosed reason.

April 2019: UFC Fight Night 149 Victory and Fight of the Night Award

In April 2019, Makhachev faced Arman Tsarukyan at UFC Fight Night 149 and won via unanimous decision, earning the Fight of the Night award.

September 2019: UFC 242 Victory

In September 2019, Makhachev faced Davi Ramos at UFC 242 and won the fight via unanimous decision.

April 2020: UFC 249 Removal

In April 2020, Makhachev was scheduled to face Alexander Hernandez at UFC 249 but was removed from the card due to travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

October 2020: UFC 254 Bout Cancellation

In October 2020, Makhachev was expected to face Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 254, but dos Anjos tested positive for COVID-19 and was removed from the bout.

November 2020: UFC Fight Night Pull-Out

In November 2020, Makhachev was scheduled to face Rafael dos Anjos at UFC Fight Night: Felder vs. dos Anjos, but Makhachev was forced to pull from the event due to a staph infection.

March 2021: UFC 259 Victory

In March 2021, Makhachev faced Drew Dober at UFC 259 and won the fight by an arm-triangle choke submission in the third round.

July 2021: UFC on ESPN 26 Victory

In July 2021, Makhachev faced Thiago Moisés at UFC on ESPN 26 and won the fight by a rear-naked choke submission in the fourth round.

October 2021: UFC 267 Victory

In October 2021, Makhachev faced Dan Hooker at UFC 267, after Rafael dos Anjos was forced to pull out due to injury, and won the fight by a kimura submission in the first round.

February 2022: UFC Fight Night 202 Victory

In February 2022, Makhachev faced Bobby Green at UFC Fight Night 202, after Beneil Dariush withdrew due to an ankle injury, and won the bout via ground and pound TKO in the first round.

October 2022: UFC Lightweight Championship Victory

In October 2022, Makhachev faced Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 280. Makhachev won the bout and the title in the second round via arm-triangle choke, receiving the Performance of the Night bonus.

February 2023: UFC 284 Title Defense

In February 2023, Makhachev defended his title against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284, winning via unanimous decision and earning the Fight of the Night award. He and his coach also received the Sali Suleiman medal.

October 2023: UFC 294 Title Defense

In October 2023, Makhachev defended his title in a rematch against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294, winning by head kick knockout in the first round and earning the Performance of the Night award after Charles Oliveira was injured.

November 2023: UFC Rankings

As of November 2023, Islam Makhachev is ranked #1 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings.

June 2024: UFC 302 Victory

In June 2024, Makhachev faced Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 and won by a D’Arce choke submission in the fifth round, earning both the Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night awards.

May 14, 2025: Welterweight Championship Challenge

On May 14, 2025, it was announced that Makhachev will move up to challenge for the UFC Welterweight Championship against Jack Della Maddalena, with the date and event to be determined.