Islam Makhachev further cemented his status as one of the best mixed martial artists of his era with a dominant victory at UFC 322, where he defeated Jack Della Maddalena to become the new UFC Welterweight Champion. Moving up in weight class, Makhachev provided a masterful performance in pressure, control, and tactical brilliance by earning a unanimous decision on all scorecards with scores of 50–45.
The victory made him one of the rare two-division UFC champions, taking his status from lightweight dominator to being a global MMA superstar capable of conquering multiple divisions. UFC 322 showcased his elite grappling and fight IQ while also proving why many have him as the rightful heir to the Dagestani dynasty in MMA.
Who is Islam Makhachev?
Islam Ramazanovich Makhachev is a Russian mixed martial artist hailing from Dagestan. Makhachev is widely considered one of the most complete and dominant fighters in the UFC. Known for his elite grappling, sambo background, and top control, he has risen through the ranks to multi-division champion status.
Islam Makhachev Family
Makhachev was born on October 27, 1991, in Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia.
His family is a modest one: his father was a driver and cultivated tomatoes; his mother ran a small café.
Makhachdev has a brother named Kurbanismail Makhachev, though his personal life is quite private, it is known that Islam is married and has three children.
What is Islam Makhachev’s Net Worth?
Islam Makhachev holds a net worth of somewhere between US$5 million and US$7 million as of 2025.
His sources of income are UFC fight purses, performance bonuses, and endorsements.
Some reports claim his base fight purse has been in the range of US$1.5 million, but top-of-the-line fights could increase this figure via PPV shares and bonuses.
Islam Makhachev Age
Makhachev was born on 27 October 1991 and is 34 years old as of late 2025.
Islam Makhachev and Khabib
Islam is very close to former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, but they are not related by blood.
They have trained together since childhood under the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who was Khabib’s father and also a major mentor for Islam.
Over the years, Khabib has taken on a coaching role for Makhachev, and their relationship is often described as more like brothers than just teammates.
Islam Makhachev UFC 322 Win
At UFC 322, Makhachev made a stunning move up to welterweight and defeated Jack Della Maddalena via decision in the main event to become the UFC Welterweight Champion.
Islam dominated throughout with effective calf kicks, relentless takedowns, and suffocating ground control.
All three judges scored the fight 50–45 in his favor, marking a unanimous decision win.
With this victory, Makhachev became one of the rare fighters in UFC history to hold titles in two different weight divisions.
Islam Makhachev Welterweight
For UFC 322, Makhachev moved up from lightweight at 155 lb. to welterweight at 170 lb.-a bold step that paid off in historic fashion.
This weight jump allowed him to challenge for, and eventually win, the welterweight title, which cemented his status as a two-division champion.
Islam Makhachev Record
According to his professional MMA record:
Record: 28–1
ESPN reports: 27–1–0 with 5 KOs and 13 submissions.
Notable wins include:
Charles Oliveira (submission) to win the lightweight title.
Alexander Volkanovski (twice) – once by decision, once by KO/TKO.
Dustin Poirier (submission). Renato Moicano via submission at UFC 311.
Jack Della Maddalena (decision) at UFC 322 for the welterweight title.
