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 beyond by carrying the legacy of his mentor to new heights as he prepares to appear atop UFC 322 against Jack Della Maddalena on November 15 in New York.

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. On that note, let us look at Islam Makhachev’s early life, career, and relationship with Khabib Nurmagomedov to understand what has made him such a dominant fighter today.

Where Was Islam Makhachev Born? His Makhachkala, Dagestan Origins

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 former lightweight champion has hardly mentioned anything about it in public. 

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? Islam Makhachev 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 brother Abubakar Nurmagomedov.

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What Is Islam Makhachev’s Ethnicity? Understanding the Lak People of Dagestan

Data and statistics catering to Makhachev’s hometown region of Dagestan claim that most of the people in the mountainous region of Lakia in central Dagestan, Russia, are Laks. For context, the Laks are mostly Northeast Caucasians, prominent not only in 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. They primarily inhabit the Laksky and Kulinsky districts, with their historic capital at Kumukh, an ancient cultural and religious center. Culturally, Laks emphasize clan ties, hospitality, and mountain traditions like folk dances, oral epics, and craftsmanship in the form of jewelry and rugs. 

Islam Makhachev’s Upbringing in Burshi Village: The Remote Rural Life That Shaped Him

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 former 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, has not only put Dagestan on the map, but they’ve also rejuvenated their local gyms with new and improved equipment to help Dagestani fighters reach their potential, just like they did.

That said, when he takes on Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in a rematch, he will have the chance to surpass his mentor and become a double champion. But can he do that?