Former UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov is currently retired from the sport of MMA. However, Nurmagomedov’s long-time teammate, Islam Makhachev has made his presence significant in the lightweight division of the UFC. Many have tipped Makhachev to be a future UFC champion as well. Recently, in an interview, ‘The Eagle’ shared some important words of advice for his teammate. Nurmagomedov thoroughly believes Makhachev has the potential to become a UFC champion in the future. However, the Dagestani has urged his mate to be persistent in his effort and keep on stacking up wins in the UFC’s lightweight division. “Come out against everyone and finish it ahead of schedule, and when the time comes, you will fight for the belt,” said Nurmagomedov in Russian. Makhachev currently holds a professional record of 19-1. He has been fighting in the UFC since 2015. A loss to Adriano Martins in his second fight in the promotion is the only stain in his professional career. The Russian is currently on a 7-fight winning streak in the UFC’s lightweight division. His most recent win came against Drew Dober by submission in a statement performance. He last fought at the UFC 259 pay-per-view. Islam Makhachev [https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20210310165146/UFC_JB_2021-03-06_0700_20210306100742307.jpg]https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20210310165146/UFC_JB_2021-03-06_0700_20210306100742307.jpgLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 06: (R-L) Islam Makhachev works for a submission against Drew Dober in their lightweight fight during the UFC 259 event at UFC APEX on March 06, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC) Gleison Tibau, Nik Lentz, Arman Tsarukiyan, and more have been some other notable victims of Makhachev over the course of his UFC career so far. WHAT’S NEXT FOR ISLAM MAKHACHEV? Makhachev [https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/islam-makhachev/] is set to headline a UFC card for the first time in his career as he prepares to take on Thiago Moises in July. This will be a big opportunity for the Dagestani fighter. A UFC main event never fails to garner attention from the fight fans. So, he will have an extra few eyeballs on him this time. Drew Dober and Islam Makhachev face off [https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20210306104133/UFC_JB_2021-03-05_0164_2021030511537189.jpg]https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20210306104133/UFC_JB_2021-03-05_0164_2021030511537189.jpgLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 05: (L-R) Opponents Islam Makhachev and Drew Dober face off during the UFC 259 weigh-in at UFC APEX on March 05, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC) The 29-year-old certainly has the potential to be a world champion. And in the famous American Kickboxing Academy gym, he has some of the best mentors of the game around him. Will Makhachev eventually become a UFC champion? Let us know your thoughts. 

Former UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov has urged his teammate
Islam Makhachev to keep on winning and fight for the title.

Apratim Banerjee is an MMA author for EssentiallySports and has been writing
professionally for almost a year. Before his current gig, Apratim worked as a
UFC writer for Sportskeeda. A long-time MMA fan, Apratim has developed a
critical eye for the sport that has helped him transfer his vast knowledge to
his copies and give hardcore and casual readers a detailed insight into the
fights and fighters. Dan Henderson’s brutal knockout against Michael Bisping at
UFC 100 in 2009 is one of his earliest memories of the sport. He has never
missed a UFC PPV or a Fight Night since, which speaks volumes about his wealth
of MMA knowledge.

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‘You Will Fight for the Belt’- Khabib Nurmagomedov Asks Islam Makhachev To Bide
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Former UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov has urged his teammate Islam Makhachev to keep on winning and fight for the title.

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‘You Will Fight for the Belt’- Khabib Nurmagomedov Asks Islam Makhachev To Bide His Time

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<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Islam Makhachev 2025: Record, Net Worth, Next Fight, and Salary</b></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Who is Islam Makhachev?</strong></h2>
Islam Makhachev came to the UFC as one of the young vibrant talents. The Dagestani fighter made his promotional debut in 2015 against Leo Kuntz at the undercard of his teammate Daniel Cormier's coronation as UFC champion.
<figure class="jsx-b9c5e7fc3c08d611">
<div class="image-loader_es-image-loader-aspect-ratio__X6IHP"><img id="img-tag-node--img-loader-0" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-907840404.jpg" /></div>
<figcaption>via Getty</figcaption></figure>
Makhachev has grown up and trained with the legend <a class="es-hyperlink" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/khabib-nurmagomedov/" target="_self" rel="noopener">Khabib Nurmagomedov</a>. As of January 2025, Makhachev is the UFC lightweight champion. The young fighter is proficient in <a class="es-hyperlink" href="https://www.allthebestfights.com/makhachev-vs-tsarukyan-full-fight-video-ufc-fn-149/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Combat Sambo, </a>where he was the 2016 World Champion.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Islam Makhachev's early life</strong></h2>
Makhachev was born in Makhachkala, Burshi, Republic of Dagestan, Russia. Born on 27 October 1991, the Dagestani had humble beginnings, to a father who used to grow tomatoes and worked odd jobs as a driver and to a housewife mother, who ran a small cafe. Both their names have not been disclosed to the public. He also has an older brother, Kurbanismail. The family belongs to the Lak ethnicity, speaks the Laki language, and are devout followers of Islam.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Â Islam Makhachev's wife and kids</strong></h2>
Amidst speculations owing to rumors and a video that showcased the UFC fighter at what seemed like a wedding reception, we now have confirmation that Makhachev is a married man. Although not much is known about team Khabib's protege, reportedly, the fighter got hitched on April 8, 2021. Other than this and a snap of him and his bride in a white gown, not much is known about the wife.

Several notable UFC stars were also in attendance, such as Khabib Nurmagomedov, Zubaira Tughukov, and so on. Apart from this, as is the case for most Dagestani fighters, apart from an interview wherein he mentioned about his daughter, no other information is present about his kid.

While in conversation with Megan Olivi, Makhachev disclosed, "<em>Couple of months, I have been thinking about my daughter. I just want to come home."</em>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Islam Makhachev's net worth 2024</strong></h2>
As of 2024, Makhachev has an estimated net worth of over $6 million. His net worth is expected to rise significantly, considering his ascent to success and phenomenal title reign.

He has UFC career earnings of $5 million according to <a class="es-hyperlink" href="https://mmasalaries.com/islam-makhachev-career-earnings-net-worth-and-info/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MMA Salaries</a>. His biggest paycheck came from his last fight against Alexander Volkanovski, where he earned a whopping $2,500,000.
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center"><strong>Islam Makhachev's career timeline</strong></h2>
Makhachev signed a four-fight contract when he made his smacking debut in the UFC. As aforementioned, his first opponent in the UFC was Leo Kuntz, whom he defeated in a thrilling match via submission in the second round of the bout.

Another of his greatest fights was with Davi Ramos at UFC 242. The Russian proved himself and won the match via a unanimous decision.

Makhachev's only loss in UFC was against Adriano Martins at?UFC 192?on October 3, 2015. Martins dominated right from the start and claimed the bout via a first-round TKO.

In his recent run, Makhachev defeatedÂ <a class="es-hyperlink" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/thiago-moises/" target="_self" rel="noopener">Thiago Moises</a>Â on July 17, 2021, as he claimed a magnificent submission (rear-naked choke) victory in the fourth round.

Later he took onÂ <a class="es-hyperlink" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/dan-hooker/" target="_self" rel="noopener">Dan Hooker</a>Â on October 30, 2021, at UFC 267 and won the fight via first-round submission. His next win came against Bobby Green, who stepped up to face the Dagestan-based athlete on short notice. Next, he facedÂ <strong>Charles Oliveira</strong> for the UFC lightweight title and won via a 2nd round submission.

At UFC 284, the Russian fighter successfully defended his title againstÂ <a class="es-hyperlink" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/alexander-volkanovski/" target="_self" rel="noopener">Alexander Volkanovski</a>. Thereafter, for their second bout in UFC 294, the Dagestani continued his reign by securing a win with a head kick and hammer fists in the first round itself!

In his last fight, Makhachev defeated Dustin Poirier in the main event for the UFC PPV 302, by submission.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Islam Makhachev's partnerships and endorsements</strong></h2>
Makhachev has made several endorsement deals over the years. He has partnered up with huge companies, such asÂ <a class="es-hyperlink" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUCTnKhM5g2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wahed Invest</a>,Â <a class="es-hyperlink" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/COScTJGKMDA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gorilla Energy Drink</a>, andÂ <a class="es-hyperlink" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CERB-LKBjLg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Al Hadaya</a>.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Islam Makhachev's career stats and records</strong></h2>
The Dagestani fighter is definitely one of the best young lightweight fighters and has achieved quite a bit in his professional career. Makhachev holds a proud 26-1-0 MMA <a class="es-hyperlink" href="https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Islam-Makhachev-76836" target="_blank" rel="noopener">record</a>. Furthermore, the fighter has claimed two Fight of the Night UFC bonuses.

In 2016, he also won the World Combat Sambo Championship. With 'The Eagle's' retirement, the entire UFC fraternity is looking up to him to take his legacy forward.
<figure class="jsx-b9c5e7fc3c08d611">
<div class="image-loader_es-image-loader-aspect-ratio__X6IHP"><img id="img-tag-node--img-loader-0" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-907840282.jpg" /></div>
<figcaption>via Getty</figcaption></figure>
The fighter currently holds a staggering record of 25-1-0. Makhachev, with his Sambo skills, is a great grappler having a 90% takedown defense and 62% takedown accuracy. Moreover, he also has excellent defensive skills on the feet and on the ground.
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center"><span style="font-weight: 400">Â <strong>Islam Makhachev's major achievements and awards</strong></span></h2>
<h3>Others</h3>
<ul>
 	<li><span style="font-weight: 400">2016 FIAS World Combat Sambo Championships Gold Medalist</span></li>
 	<li><span style="font-weight: 400">Combat Sambo Federation of Russia - Russian National Gold Medalist (2014, 2016 at -74 kg)</span></li>
 	<li><span style="font-weight: 400">Grappling - UWW Russian Grappling Federation - North Caucasian Federal District Gold Medalist</span></li>
</ul>
<h3>Ultimate Fighting Championship</h3>
<ul>
 	<li><span style="font-weight: 400">UFC Honors 2023 Fight of the Year vs. Alexander Volkanovski</span></li>
 	<li><span style="font-weight: 400">Fight of the Night (Two times)</span></li>
 	<li><span style="font-weight: 400">Performance of the Night (Two times)</span></li>
 	<li><span style="font-weight: 400">Highest significant strike accuracy in UFC Lightweight division history</span></li>
 	<li><span style="font-weight: 400">2023 Fighter of the Year</span></li>
</ul>
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center"><strong>Islam Makhachev's Titles</strong></h2>
<ul>
 	<li><span style="font-weight: 400">UFC Lightweight Champ (One time, current)</span></li>
 	<li><span style="font-weight: 400">Three successful title defenses</span></li>
</ul>
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center">How to contact Islam Makhachev?</h2>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Instagram</span></td>
<td>https://www.instagram.com/islam_makhachev/?hl=en</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Twitter</span></td>
<td>https://twitter.com/x/migrate?tok=eyJlIjoiL01BS0hBQ0hFVk1NQT9yZWZfc3JjPXR3c3JjJTVFZ29vZ2xlJTdDdHdjYW1wJTVFc2VycCU3Q3R3Z3IlNUVhdXRob3IiLCJ0IjoxNzE2OTQxNzU5fbFDi52qXPp%2FQ3tNzBS5Gws%3D</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Facebook</span></td>
<td>NA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Website</span></td>
<td><b>NA</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Nickname</td>
<td>NA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Age</td>
<td>33</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Born</td>
<td>9-27-1991</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nationality</td>
<td>Russian</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a class="es-hyperlink" href="https://www.ufc.com/athlete/islam-makhachev" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hometown</a></td>
<td>Dagestan Republic, Russia</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Trains At</td>
<td>American Kickboxing Academy (AKA)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Height</td>
<td>5' 10"</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Reach</td>
<td>70.5"</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Leg Reach</td>
<td>40.5"</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Team</td>
<td>Eagles MMA Team</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Weight/Division</td>
<td>155 lbs / Lightweight</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MMA Record</td>
<td>26-1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Active Win Streak</td>
<td>14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Net Worth</td>
<td>$6 Million</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Endorsements</td>
<td>Wahed Invest, Gorilla Energy Drink, Al Hadaya</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev, the UFC lightweight champion, has had an inspiring journey from Dagestan to MMA stardom. Know what makes him a fan favorite.

‘You Will Fight for the Belt’- Khabib Nurmagomedov Asks Islam Makhachev To Bide His Time

What’s next for Islam Makhachev?

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