Who Is Islam Makhachev’s Brother Kurbanismail Makchahev? All About the UFC Champ’s Sibling

Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan were all set to clash against each other at UFC 311. However, an injury to the title challenger prompted Renato Moicano to step up and now, he will fight for the title this weekend. Makhachev’s mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov will be in his corner and has a chance to witness his protégé surpass him if the champion can manage to defend his title successfully.

Given that Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov have often referred to each other as ‘brothers’, fans might believe that they are actually siblings. However, that isn’t true because the lightweight champ has an elder brother. Let’s find out some interesting stuff about Makhachev’s sibling.

Who is Islam Makhachev’s brother?

The UFC lightweight champion has an older brother, named Kurbanismail Makhachev. Although not much is known about the older sibling, he has played a major role in Makhachev, becoming the MMA star that he is today. According to reports, Kurbanismail was the one who ensured that his brother could follow his dream.

Despite the privacy surrounding Makhachev’s sibling’s personal life, their unwavering support is evident—a constant presence in the lightweight champ’s corner. Furthermore, he never forgets to cherish the moments he has with his brother on Instagram. But the fight fans often have one question in their mind when it comes to Makhachev and Nurmagomedov – are they related? Let’s find out.

Are Islam and Khabib brothers?

The current champion and the former champion are not connected by blood relations. However, they do belong to the Dagestani brotherhood with more than just blood in building the relationships. To add to the story, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, the former champ’s father, considered Islam Makhachev as his son, who took him under his wing. Back in Dagestan, Makhachev and ‘The Eagle’ went to the same school, and Makhachev claimed to have seen Nurmagomedov every single day. Additionally, the two lived pretty close to each other. Given their love for combat sports, they became close friends and finally called each other ‘brother’.

Makhachev was often present in the corner when Nurmagomedov was still competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Thereafter, ‘The Eagle’ took over the role of the coach following the sorrowful passing of his father, and ensured that Makhachev became the champion of the lightweight division. However, months before Makhachev’s first victory over Alexander Volkanovski, Nurmagomedov announced his retirement from the world of mixed martial arts.

“I wanna be like Khabib, you know. He is great man, you know. He’s a champion, he have lot of money now, lot of everything, but he’s still humble guy,” Makhachev declared previously. And now, the 33-year-old is trying to surpass Nurmagomedov. But did you know that Makhachev’s career actually exists because of his own brother? Here’s what we know on that front.

How Kurbanismail saved Islam Makhachev’s career

The name ‘Kurban’ literally translates to ‘sacrifice’ in English, and that’s exactly what Islam Makhachev’s elder brother did. Back in 2005, the UFC lightweight champion was competing in Combat Sambo, when he decided to stop fighting altogether due to the lack of financial benefits. However, his brother would encourage him to continue his training, and to help with the financial situation, Kurbanismail would take up multiple jobs.

This act really boosted Islam Makhachev’s confidence and his respect for his brother grew exponentially. Thereafter, he’d team up with the Nurmagomedov clan, and the rest is history. It’s safe to say that his brother’s sacrifice was a gamble that paid off in a pretty big way.

Now, it’s all about putting on a show and creating a record for Islam Makhachev, who could become the best lightweight ever in the aftermath of UFC 311. What do you think? Let us know in the comments down below.