Islam Makhachev has an estimated net worth of $6 million. He is a Russian professional mixed martial artist competing in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Makhachev rose to global prominence in 2022 when he captured the UFC Lightweight Championship. The following year, he was ranked No. 1 in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings, cementing his place among the top fighters in the sport. Before his MMA success, Makhachev also built an impressive career in combat sambo, winning the 2016 World Combat Sambo Championship.
| Islam Makhachev Net Worth | $6 Million |
| Date of Birth | October 27, 1991 |
| Place of Birth | Makhachkala |
Early Life
Islam Makhachev was born on October 27, 1991, in Makhachkala and grew up in the remote village of Burshi. He has an older brother named Kurbanismail.
Makhachev developed an interest in martial arts at a young age. At just seven years old, he began training in Taekwondo, before later practicing the Chinese combat sport Sanda. He also spent time training in freestyle wrestling before eventually transitioning to mixed martial arts.
While pursuing his athletic career, Makhachev attended Dagestan State University, where he studied physical education and sports.
MMA Career in Russia
Makhachev began his professional mixed martial arts career in 2010 with the Tsumada Fighting Championship, where he defeated Magomed Bekbolatov in his lightweight debut.
He later joined M-1 Global, one of the top MMA organizations in Russia. In his debut fight there, he knocked out Tengiz Khuchua in the first round.
During his time with the promotion, Makhachev continued building his record with wins over fighters including Martiros Grigoryan, Magomed Ibragimov, Vladimir Egoyan, and Migel Grigoryan.
He also recorded victories against Anatoly Kormilkin, Mansour Barnaoui, Rander Junio, Yuri Ivlev, and Ivica Trušček before eventually signing with the UFC.
UFC Career
After leaving M-1 Global, Makhachev signed a four-fight contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 2014.
He made his promotional debut at UFC 187, defeating Leo Kuntz. However, he suffered his first professional loss in his next fight when Adriano Martins knocked him out at UFC 192.
Makhachev quickly bounced back with a series of victories. In 2016, he defeated Chris Wade at UFC Fight Night 94. The following year, he earned another decision victory against Nik Lentz at UFC 208.
He continued his winning streak with victories over Gleison Tibau at UFC 220 and Kajan Johnson at UFC on Fox 30.
In 2019, Makhachev defeated Arman Tsarukyan at UFC Fight Night 149, earning his first Fight of the Night award. Later that year, he defeated Davi Ramos at UFC 242.
Lightweight Champion
Makhachev returned to action in 2021 with victories over Drew Dober at UFC 259, Thiago Moisés at UFC on ESPN 26, and Dan Hooker at UFC 267.
In 2022, he defeated Bobby Green via TKO before receiving a title shot against Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. Makhachev won the fight and captured the UFC Lightweight Championship.
He later defended his title against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284, and again in a rematch at UFC 294.
In 2024, Makhachev successfully defended his title for a third time against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302, earning both Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night honors.
Sambo Career
Before becoming a global MMA star, Makhachev had a successful career in Sambo.
He won the 74-kilogram division at the Russian National Combat Sambo Championship in both 2014 and 2016. Later in 2016, he won the World Combat Sambo Championships held in Sofia.
National Honors
Due to his achievements in mixed martial arts, Makhachev has received several honors from the government of Dagestan.
In 2022, he was awarded the Order for Merit to the Republic of Dagestan. The following year, he received the Sali Suleiman Medal, the highest honor awarded by the Dagestan Ministry of Sports.
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