Where Was Islam Makhachev Born? Ethnicity, Nationality & More

It is not easy being in Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s shadow and finding your own identity. However, Islam Makhachev has done just fine. The reigning lightweight champion may have lost one fight, but he’s continued where Khabib left off and is carrying the legacy of his mentor to new heights as he prepares to defend his title once again on January 18.

The Dagestani has the same ruthless instincts, the same disciplined approach to training, and the same dedication to putting in the work just like his mentor. Makhachev’s well on his way to making his mark when he steps up to Arman Tsarukyan in a rematch at UFC 311. On that note, let us look at his early life, career, and relationship with Khabib Nurmagomedov to understand what has made him such a dominant fighter today.

Where was Islam Makhachev born? Ethnicity and more

Born in Makhachkala during the time of the USSR, Islam Makhachev grew up in the village of Burshi, where he was picked on by other kids. While fans know that he’s a devout Muslim and a Russian national, they may not have any idea about his ethnic roots, given that the lightweight champion has hardly mentioned anything about it in public. However, data and statistics catering to Makhachev’s hometown region of Dagestan claim that most of the people in the mountainous region are Laks.

For context, the Laks are mostly Northeast Caucasians, prominent in not only Dagestan but also in Chechnya, Ingushetia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. Makhachev apparently belongs to this ethnic community that includes people who are known for speaking a variety of languages.

Most UFC fans and pundits believe Islam Makhachev to be the second coming of Khabib Nurmagomedov, with whom he shares a brotherly bond. But how did it all start for these two MMA stars? Let’s take a look at that front.

How did Islam Makhachev meet Khabib Nurmagomedov?

Islam Makhcahev started to train in combat sports, in particular, sambo from a young age. He met Khabib Nurmagomedov in his boyhood in Dagestan. The two lived close to each other and trained together under Khabib’s father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Khabib has mentioned in interviews that Makhachev has been competitive since his childhood. This is why the undefeated fighter felt that Makhachev has the potential to become world champion over even his cousin Abubakar Nurmagomedov who used to fight in the UFC’s welterweight division.

The two have continued to train together since their childhood until ‘The Eagle’s retirement from fighting a few years ago. Even then, Khabib continued to corner him and coach Makhachev at their American Kickboxing Academy gym. Makhachev won a gold medal in the 2016 edition of the World Combat Sambo Championship 2016. He is also a four-time Russian National Champion in Sambo.

While he’s one of the biggest stars in the UFC now, things weren’t always mellow for the lightweight champion when he was growing up.

Makhachev talks about his humble beginnings

Islam Makhachev had claimed in the past that when he moved from Makhachkala to Burshi, the athletes who were training in the village believed him to be weak since he was from the city. However, he held his ground and slowly got acquainted and developed great relations with the other fighters. Moreover, he also didn’t have the luxury of training with state-of-the-art pieces of equipment. Rather, Makhachev and his fellow fighters would make use of whatever they found in their village, and the lightweight champion credits these times for making him the man he’s become.

“We worked out using stones, often running up the mountain, sometimes three times a day, working out using stones,” Islam Makhachev told the UFC back in 2021. “These harsh conditions create real men.” Now, the whole scenario has changed because Makhachev, along with Khabib Nurmagomedov, not only put Dagestan on the map when it comes to MMA but they’d also rejuvenate their local gyms with new and improved pieces of equipment to help Dagestani fighters reach their potential just like they did.

Meanwhile, it would be a pleasant sight to see Islam Makhachev, who has had a tough and disciplined life, finally get the due that he deserves. When he takes on Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 in a rematch, he will have the chance to surpass his mentor and record a successful 4th title defense. But can he do that, though? Let us know in the comments down below.