UFC Rumors: Dana White’s Noche UFC 306 Card Takes a New Twist as Charles Oliveira Signs Deal Against Surprising Opponent at the Sphere
By Dushyant Patni![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Dana-White-And-Charles-Oliveira-1-560x315.png)
Islam Makhachev
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.
via Getty
via Getty
Makhachev has grown up and trained with the legend Khabib Nurmagomedov. As of October 2023, Makhachev is the UFC lightweight champion. The young fighter is proficient in Combat Sambo, where he was the 2016 World Champion.
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.
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, "Couple of months, I have been thinking about my daughter. I just want to come home."
As of 2024, Makhachev has an estimated net worth of over $1.5 million. His net worth is expected to rise significantly, considering his ascent to success and phenomenal title reign.
He has UFC career earnings of $3,150,000, according to MMA Salaries. His biggest paycheck came from his last fight against Alexander Volkanovski, where he earned a whopping $1,492,000.
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 defeated Thiago Moises on July 17, 2021, as he claimed a magnificent submission (rear-naked choke) victory in the fourth round.
Later he took on Dan Hooker 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 faced Charles Oliveira for the UFC lightweight title and won via a 2nd round submission.
At UFC 284, the Russian fighter successfully defended his title against Alexander Volkanovski. 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!
Now for his next fight, Makhachev is slated against Dustin Poirier as the main event for the upcoming UFC PPV 302.
Makhachev has made several endorsement deals over the years. He has partnered up with huge companies, such as Wahed Invest, Gorilla Energy Drink, and Al Hadaya.
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 24-1-0 MMA record. 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.
via Getty
via Getty
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.
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NA | |
Website | NA |
Nickname | NA |
Age | 31 |
Born | 9-27-1991 |
Nationality | Russian |
Hometown | Dagestan Republic, Russia |
Trains At | American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) |
Height | 5' 10" |
Reach | 70.5" |
Leg Reach | 40.5" |
Team | Eagles MMA Team |
Weight/Division | 155 lbs / Lightweight |
MMA Record | 24-1 |
Active Win Streak | 12 |
Net Worth | $1.5 Million |
Endorsements | Wahed Invest, Gorilla Energy Drink, Al Hadaya |