The roar of Madison Square Garden was deafening. Every eye in the legendary arena locked onto Islam Makhachev, a man forged in the remote mountains of Dagestan, his face a mask of raw emotion. He had just achieved what no Russian fighter had before: UFC gold in a second weight class, a feat reserved for the absolute elite.
A primal yell ripped from his throat as the crowd erupted. Two championship belts, gleaming gold, were draped over his shoulders – twin crowns signifying his dominance. “This is the dream!” he shouted, his voice cracking with emotion, thanking New York for embracing a kid from a world away.
After UFC 322, the question wasn’t *if* Islam Makhachev was one of the greatest, but *where* he ranked among the all-time MMA legends. His rise wasn’t built on hype, but on relentless, quiet victory.
Makhachev’s journey began far from the UFC spotlight. He conquered combat sambo, battled through the regional circuits, and rebuilt himself after a devastating loss that would have broken most fighters. He didn’t need trash talk; he simply fought, and won, until victory became his signature.
His early years were a whirlwind of disciplines: taekwondo, Wushu Sanda, even soccer. But the pull of combat proved too strong. He found himself in the legendary gym of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, grinding alongside Khabib and Abubakar, enduring brutal training alongside university classes and a job as a security guard.
A 2009 combat sambo championship was a high point, quickly followed by a humbling loss at the world championship. That defeat fueled a fire within him, pushing him to commit fully to MMA in 2011, where he quickly began dismantling opponents with a blend of striking and grappling.
He dominated the M-1 circuit, showcasing clean wrestling, heavy top control, and sharp striking. Even opponents who threatened him couldn’t escape his relentless pressure. It became clear he had outgrown the regional scene, and the UFC beckoned.
Signing with the UFC in 2014 felt inevitable. Training alongside Khabib at the American Kickboxing Academy, he honed his skills, preparing to face the world’s toughest competition. His debut was swift and decisive, a dominant finish that marked a milestone – Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov was in his corner.
A sudden knockout loss to Adriano Martins was a harsh lesson. “I thought nobody could stop me,” Makhachev later admitted. “But this is MMA – one punch can change everything.” He used that setback as a catalyst for growth, returning with a renewed focus and determination.
He continued to climb, dominating in combat sambo while navigating a USADA suspension stemming from a legally prescribed medication. Wins over Chris Wade, Nick Lentz, Gleison Tibau, and Kajan Johnson followed, building momentum towards a historic matchup.
A hard-fought battle against Arman Tsarukyan in St. Petersburg showcased his grappling prowess and cemented his place as a rising star. But injuries, travel restrictions, and the tragic passing of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov threatened to derail his momentum.
He returned in 2021 with a vengeance, submitting Drew Dober with a first-round arm-triangle. Victories over Thiago Moises and Dan Hooker followed, each showcasing his evolving skillset and earning him a long-awaited title eliminator.
A late-replacement win over Bobby Green secured his shot at the title. He had strung together ten consecutive victories, a feat rarely seen in the sport. The stage was set for a clash with Charles Oliveira at UFC 280.
UFC 280 delivered a historic moment: two fighters entering the Octagon on double-digit win streaks. Makhachev slipped under Oliveira’s attack, secured a takedown, and swiftly locked in an arm-triangle, becoming the new lightweight champion. He dedicated the win to Abdulmanap, returning the belt to the team that had never lost it.
Four months later, he faced Alexander Volkanovski in a superfight that pitted the No.1 and No.2 pound-for-pound fighters against each other. It was a grueling battle, with Volkanovski pushing Makhachev to his limits. But Makhachev’s relentless pressure and control ultimately secured the victory.
A rematch against Volkanovski came quickly, and the result was even more decisive. A perfectly timed head kick ended the fight in just three minutes, solidifying Makhachev’s dominance. He became the first Russian fighter to win UFC titles in two divisions.
His reign continued with a dominant win over Dustin Poirier, showcasing his versatility and submission skills. He then defeated Renato Moicano, further cementing his legacy as the most decorated lightweight in UFC history. He held the most title wins, the most title defenses, and the longest win streak in the division’s history.
At UFC 322, facing Jack Della Maddalena, Makhachev once again demonstrated his mastery. He relentlessly took the fight to the ground, controlling Maddalena for five rounds and securing a submission victory. He became the first UFC fighter to win championships in two weight classes.
Sixteen straight UFC victories. Three consecutive wins over top-three pound-for-pound opponents. Multiple submissions no lightweight had ever achieved. He is the most decorated champion of his era, and a strong contender for the greatest of all time.
Now, with a second belt secured, Makhachev sets his sights on the middleweight division, a landscape of explosive athletes and ruthless strikers. He remains unwavering, ready for any challenge, and has a bold vision for the future: a historic event at the White House. “Donald Trump, let’s go, open the White House! I’m coming,” he declared, a champion with a story still being written.
