Islam Makhachev emerged from the same Dagestani wrestling culture that produced Khabib Nurmagomedov, and he has arguably eclipsed even that legendary standard. After dominating the lightweight division for years, Makhachev made history by moving up to welterweight and capturing a second UFC title -- beating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in November 2025 to become a two-division champion.
He had previously won the UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 280 by submitting Charles Oliveira, then defended it multiple times including against Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria. When Topuria moved up and won the lightweight title in June 2025, Makhachev moved to welterweight to pursue two-division gold -- and delivered.
Makhachev's ability to fight intelligently in every phase, never taking unnecessary risks and maintaining positional dominance from start to finish, makes him terrifying to gameplan against. The submission game has become his calling card, and a growing striking arsenal makes him a complete threat at range as well. He is the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world and now holds gold at two weights.
- UFC Welterweight Champion (beat Jack Della Maddalena, UFC 322, Nov 2025)
- Former UFC Lightweight Champion (UFC 280 through UFC 317)
- Two-division UFC champion
- Submitted Charles Oliveira in R2 to win lightweight title
- Defeated Alexander Volkanovski (featherweight champion) in a title defense
- Trained under Khabib Nurmagomedov and Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov
- 01Body lock takedown against the cage
- 02Double-leg takedown from distance
- 03Arm triangle choke (D'Arce / Anaconda variations)
- 04Rear-naked choke off the body lock
- 05Kimura from top position
- 06Jab-cross-level change combination
Makhachev is the kid in class who does his homework, shows up every day, and just quietly beats everyone at two weight classes. No flash, no drama. Two-division champion. When your son asks why the grappling wins, put on any Makhachev fight and let it explain itself.