After a long wait, the Dagestani protege, Islam Makhachev is returning to defend his lightweight title against Dustin Poirier. Their fight is scheduled for Saturday night, June 2, 2024, at Prudential Center, Newark United States. While Poirier is looking to clinch the title before his retirement, the Dagestani would be looking to clinch another successful defense. Makhachev announced a few days back that Khabib Nurmagomedov would be in his corner for the first time since UFC 280. The undisputed champion now has even more reasons to achieve victory.
Well, enough about his fights, let us have a look at the personal life of the lightweight champion.
What does Islam Makhachev’s father do?
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Born and brought up in the streets of Makhachkala, Islam Makhachev was a weak kid who had to fight to gain strength. The current champion was not only the favorite of his father but also the favorite of his former coach and mentor Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Despite being a city boy, Makhachev spent most of his life in a remote village in the Republic of Dagestan, Burshi.
Makhachev keeps his private life very personal to him and there’s very scarce information about it. However, sources stated that Makhachev’s mother was a housewife who ran a small cafe while his father was a driver and grew tomatoes in his free time. He also worked in his own greenhouse and Makhacehv used to help his father as a loader.
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Makhachev in a social media post thanked his father for whatever he did for him, “My father worked harder than me to make me a champion,” said Makhachev while posting a pic of his father in childhood. Now, that we know his family, let us look at what the undisputed champion has said about them.
The UFC lightweight champ speaks about his family
Islam Makhachev has always respected his parents and just like Khabib Nurmagomedov’s mother, Makhacehv’s mother also wants him to leave the world of fighting now as he is the champion. While conversing with UFC referee, McCarthy, and the former mixed martial artist, ‘The Punk’, Makhachev had some lighthearted conversation about his parents.
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While talking about his father, Makhachev revealed that he loved to watch him fight and win, “But my dad has more power.” said Makhachev. He further explained that although his father loved him to win matches, his mother was calling him to leave the world of fighting altogether.
“You’re champion now. Wrap it up. Khabib listened to his mother. When will you listen to yours?” She said. Regardless, Makhachev is looking to have some more title defense before he drops the gloves. What are your predictions for his upcoming match? State your thoughts in the comments below.