Is Islam Makhachev a Black Belt? All About UFC Champ’s Sambo and Martial Arts Background

Islam Makhachev is already among the greatest UFC lightweights of all time. Dubbed the ‘next Khabib Nurmagomedov‘, he certainly has big shoes to fill. Having lost his second UFC fight, Makhachev couldn’t keep the zero on his record but has gone on to do well, racking up a 13-fight winning streak and becoming the best pound-for-pound fighter in the promotion.

Now the champ is gearing up to take on Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 to defend his title after defeating former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski twice last year to add to successful title defenses on his resume. The bout may prove to be a legacy-defining fight for both men, Makhachev and Poirier. But before that, let us look at Dagestan native’s martial arts background as he gets ready to face ‘The Diamond’ on June 1.

Does Islam Makhachev have a black belt?

Islam Makhachev does not have a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. Instead, he does have one in Judo, which he has been practicing since he was a toddler, and has participated in combat sambo, where he won a gold medal at the 2016 World Combat Sambo Championship. Moreover, Makhachev is also a two-time Russian national Combat Sambo champion as well, bagging two gold medals in 2014 and 2016.

He also earned an International Master of Sport in Combat Sambo. Makhachev is well-known for his strong grappling abilities and ability to keep his opponents on the ground under control. The Dagestani is Khabib Nurmagomedov’s childhood friend and trained under the former lightweight champion’s father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Now that he’s a champion, and one of the most-talked-about ones, it begs the question as to what it was like before he came to UFC, which we will take a look at now.

Makhachev’s career before UFC

Islam Makhachev, like many other Dagestani MMA exports, had a very humble upbringing. His life before the UFC included starting Tae Kwon Do training at the mere age of 7. But before fully immersing in the world of combat sports, the reigning lightweight champion was also a fan of soccer, which he played for two years. Makhachev also studied physical education and sports at the Dagestan State University. However, he would have to shift his focus towards helping his family financially.

To do that, Islam Makhachev took on the job of a security guard. There, instead of fulfilling his guard duties, he’d get paid for training during work hours and even when he would go away for competitions. It seemed as if the stars were aligned for Makhachev to become a combat sports athlete as he went on to win medals in Combat Sambo and became the UFC champion.

UFC 302 is a special event for Islam Makhachev. He’s yet to defend his gold against a proper lightweight and that’s what Dustin Poirier offers as an opponent. Will the reigning champion prevail or will there be a new champion crowned on June 1? Drop your comments below.