History of Islam Makhachev in Timeline

Islam Makhachev is a Russian mixed martial artist and former sambo competitor, known for his accomplishments in the UFC Lightweight division, where he formerly held the championship. Since turning professional in 2010, he's achieved significant success, including a combat sambo world championship in 2016 and two Russian national championships. He is currently ranked #1 in the UFC lightweight rankings and #2 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

October 1991: Islam Makhachev's Birth

In October 1991, Islam Ramazanovich Makhachev was born. He is a Russian professional mixed martial artist and former sambo competitor.

Others born on this day/year

2010: Turned Professional

In 2010, Islam Makhachev became a professional mixed martial artist.

February 2011: M-1 Global Debut

On 12 February 2011, Islam Makhachev made his M-1 Global debut against Tengiz Khuchua, winning the fight via KO in the first round.

April 2013: Defeats Mansour Barnaoui at M-1 Challenge 38

On 9 April 2013, Islam Makhachev faced Mansour Barnaoui at M-1 Challenge 38, winning via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 30–27).

August 2013: Defeats Rander Junio at M-1 Challenge 41

On 21 August 2013, Islam Makhachev faced Rander Junio at M-1 Challenge 41, winning via unanimous decision.

February 2014: Russian National Combat Sambo Championship

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

June 2014: Defeats Yuri Ivlev at M-1 Challenge 49

On 7 June 2014, Islam Makhachev faced Yuri Ivlev at M-1 Challenge 49, dominating the fight and finishing with a submission via armbar.

September 2014: Defeats Ivica Truscek at M-1 Global

On 7 September 2014, in his final bout for M-1 Global, Islam Makhachev defeated Ivica Truscek via submission in the third round.

October 2014: Signs with UFC

On 2 October 2014, Islam 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 23 May 2015, at UFC 187, Islam Makhachev submitted Leo Kuntz in the second round.

October 2015: Loss to Adriano Martins at UFC 192

On 3 October 2015, at UFC 192, Islam Makhachev faced Adriano Martins and lost via knockout in the first round, marking his first professional loss.

November 2015: Meldonium Prescribed for Medical Procedure

In November 2015, meldonium was prescribed to Islam Makhachev to aid his recovery from a heart-related medical procedure.

April 2016: UFC on Fox 19 Bout Cancelled

On 16 April 2016, Islam Makhachev's scheduled bout against Drew Dober at UFC on Fox 19 was cancelled after he failed an out-of-competition drug screening, testing positive for meldonium.

July 2016: USADA Lifts Suspension

On 2 July 2016, USADA lifted Islam Makhachev's suspension after determining that the banned substance, meldonium, was prescribed in November 2015 to recover from a medical procedure.

September 2016: UFC Fight Night 94 Victory

On 17 September 2016, Islam 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: Wins Gold at World Combat Sambo Championship

In 2016, Islam Makhachev won gold at the World Combat Sambo Championship, defeating Valentin Benishev of Bulgaria in the finals.

February 2017: UFC 208 Victory

On 11 February 2017, Islam Makhachev faced Nik Lentz at UFC 208 and won the fight by unanimous decision.

September 2017: Pulled Out of UFC Fight Night 115

In September 2017, Islam Makhachev was expected to face Michel Prazeres at UFC Fight Night 115, but he pulled out of the fight due to religious reasons.

January 2018: UFC 220 Victory

On 20 January 2018, Islam Makhachev fought Gleison Tibau at UFC 220, winning the fight by knockout in the first round.

July 2018: UFC on Fox 30 Victory

On 28 July 2018, at UFC on Fox 30, Islam Makhachev faced Kajan Johnson. Makhachev won by submission due to an armbar in the first round.

November 2018: Makhachev Pulled from UFC 233

On 11 November 2018, it was reported that Islam Makhachev was pulled from the UFC 233 event due to undisclosed reasons.

January 2019: Pulled Out of UFC 233

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

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

On 20 April 2019, Islam Makhachev faced Arman Tsarukyan at UFC Fight Night 149. He won the fight via unanimous decision, earning him the Fight of the Night award.

September 2019: UFC 242 Victory

On 7 September 2019, Islam Makhachev faced Davi Ramos at UFC 242, winning the fight via unanimous decision.

April 2020: Removed from UFC 249 due to COVID-19

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

October 2020: Rafael dos Anjos Tests Positive for COVID-19

In October 2020, Islam Makhachev was expected to face Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 254. However, on 8 October 2020, dos Anjos tested positive for COVID-19 and was removed from the bout.

November 2020: Pulled from UFC Fight Night due to Staph Infection

In November 2020, Islam Makhachev was scheduled to face Rafael dos Anjos at UFC Fight Night: Felder vs. dos Anjos. However, on 8 November, he was forced to pull from the event due to a staph infection.

March 2021: UFC 259 Victory

On 6 March 2021, Islam 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

On 17 July 2021, Islam Makhachev faced Thiago Moisés at UFC on ESPN 26, winning the fight by a rear-naked choke submission in the fourth round.

October 2021: UFC 267 Victory Against Dan Hooker

In October 2021, Islam Makhachev was rescheduled to face Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 267, but dos Anjos pulled out due to injury and was replaced by Dan Hooker. Makhachev won by a kimura submission in the first round.

February 2022: UFC Fight Night 202 Victory

In February 2022, Islam Makhachev was scheduled to face Beneil Dariush at UFC Fight Night 202. However, on 12 February 2022, Dariush withdrew due to an ankle injury and was replaced by Bobby Green, whom Makhachev defeated via TKO in the first round.

October 2022: Wins UFC Lightweight Championship

On 22 October 2022, at UFC 280, Islam Makhachev faced Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship. Makhachev won the bout and the title in the second round via arm-triangle choke.

November 2022: Awarded Order "For Merit to the Republic of Dagestan"

In November 2022, Islam Makhachev was awarded the Order "For Merit to the Republic of Dagestan" for his achievements in martial arts.

February 2023: Title Defense Against Alexander Volkanovski

On 12 February 2023, Islam Makhachev defended his title against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284, winning via unanimous decision. He and his coach were also awarded the Sali Suleiman medal.

October 2023: Title Defense Against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294

On 21 October 2023, Islam Makhachev defended his title in a rematch against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294 after Charles Oliveira was injured. He won by head kick knockout in the first round and earned the Performance of the Night award.

June 2024: UFC 302 Victory Against Dustin Poirier

On 1 June 2024, at UFC 302, Islam Makhachev faced Dustin Poirier, winning by a brabo choke submission in the fifth round. This fight earned him both the Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night awards totaling $100,000.

January 2025: Family Life

As of January 2025, Islam Makhachev is married and has three children.

May 14, 2025: UFC 317 Headliner

On May 14, 2025, it was announced that UFC 317 will be headlined for the vacant lightweight championship, so Makhachev will move up to challenge for the UFC Welterweight Championship against current champion Jack Della Maddalena.

July 2025: UFC Rankings

As of July 2025, Islam Makhachev is ranked #1 in the UFC lightweight rankings and #2 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings.

August 28, 2025: UFC 322 Bout Announcement

On August 28, 2025, the bout between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena for the UFC Welterweight Championship was officially announced for UFC 322.