How often do we stop and appreciate what we have? Not just in a passing “yeah, I’m grateful” way. To truly sit back and think, “This is enough! I am content.” Isn’t that something we all yearn for? Today—overwhelmed by the constant push to want everything to be bigger and better—gratitude often feels like an afterthought. But what if real success isn’t about having more, but needing less? The UFC’s lightweight king, Islam Makhachev, seems to live by that playbook. “I have to be grateful, every moment, every day, every minute for everything I have right now.”

And true to his word, the millionaire champ just spent Eid asserting his words. Not in a penthouse in Dubai, not on a private jet, but in a room so humble it could make a monk do a double take. A simple space; a bed, minimal furniture, a kitchen within arm’s reach of the dining area. A Reddit user shared a video of this scene, captioning it, “This is Islam’s Insta story, man is a millionaire, spending the day of Eid in a very simple way. He never forgot his roots, maybe that’s the reason these guys are so successful.”

For someone who could afford all the luxuries money can buy, Makhachev’s choice to embrace simplicity struck a chord with fans. His idea of relaxation? As seen in the lead-up to UFC 311, he spends his downtime tending to his 100 sheep and a few deer, riding horses through the mountains, surrounded by loved ones, and soaking in the simplicity of home. Sounds better than a packed nightclub with a hundred strangers, doesn’t it?

So, did he keep the same ritual during Eid? Did he once again choose to splurge? Not on material things. But on time, family, and faith? And more importantly, what do the fans have to say about this offbeat way of celebrating?

Fans rallied behind Islam Makhachev’s aversion to lavishness

The Dagestani lightweight champion’s approach struck a nerve with fans, admiring how success hasn’t changed his values. One user summed it up, “There probably isn’t much they want for that could be bought by money, aside from security for their family.” And isn’t that the ultimate flex? Not anything fancy, but just knowing your loved ones are safe, no matter what.

Others pointed out an overlooked truth. Just because someone grows up with less doesn’t mean they want to erase that life. “People expect all those with impoverished backgrounds to have negative memories attached to their upbringing, but you see a lot of people nostalgic about it, especially when you have a strong family unit.” Makhachev isn’t rejecting luxury. He’s choosing something deeper—something money can’t buy.

Of course, skeptics chimed in, accusing him of putting on a show. But longtime followers weren’t having it. “It’s not performative tho? Such a weird takeaway. He’s posted about his house and talked about it in interviews. They still go out to their villages and work on the farms, etc. You can have a lavish lifestyle and still love your roots.”

And his way of life is so rare that people assume it must be staged. One fan highlighted the stark culture clash. “Lots of comments here critical of this way of life. Some people like to stay simple and humble even with a lot of money. It’s the American equivalent of a millionaire wearing blue jeans, t-shirt, and driving a 20-year-old Mercury.”’

Another fan dropped a truth bomb. “Staying humble makes a person better and happier. Those who understand that money isn’t everything have it better.” It’s an old-school mentality. One that values experiences over possessions, relationships over riches.

Then came the mic-drop moment. “Truth. We’ve been brainwashed by media and capitalism to forget that in America. Our economy doesn’t ‘work’ if we’re not constantly buying stuff to fill the pockets of the oligarchs.” The modern world thrives on making people feel like they need more, that what they have is never enough. “In America, the ‘greatest’ country in the world, many middle-class families are working hard, paycheck to paycheck, afraid of what will happen if they get sick or when they get old. Many just want to feel secure. It’s a plague, and all it does is produce anger and resentment. It’s hard to care about others when you’re uncertain about the future of you and yours.”

Maybe that’s why fans resonate so much with Makhachev’s way of life. It’s not just about simplicity. It’s about freedom. Freedom from needing more, from chasing a lifestyle that never truly satisfies. And in the end, one fan put it best. “Just GOAT things.”

What do you think? Is Islam Makhachev onto something, or is modern life just too complicated to unplug from? Let us know in the comments!