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The fighting world is going crazy with the latest news about UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhajev undergoing a stunning transformation in appearance. He let go of his signature buzz cut for a completely bald new look. Makhachev has been known to be quite a personality when in his element and is never seen being fazed by challenges. 

Terrell Owens holding Dude Wipes XL

It’s one of the key traits, coupled with him being the lightweight champion of the world that make fans across the globe love him, despite often outrageous comments.

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Islam Makhachev sports a new look

The undisputed lightweight champion was seen with a new look in his Instagram video. This is ahead of his expected return to the octagon in June for a fight against Dustin Poirier. He is the current pound-for-pound number 1 ranked fighter and recently headlined UFC 294 in October getting his second successful defense in a rematch with Alexander Volkanovski

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Makhachev has consistently had the same look over his MMA career and now he suddenly decided to shave off his hair out of the blue which was surprising to the fans. But the fans also have a keen memory as they compare Volkanovski and his rivalry and their uncanny similar looks.

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Most of the reactions were a reference to Makhachev and Volkanovski. A few of the fans also trolled him about the new hairstyle.

The fan’s perspective on Islam Makhachev’s bald look

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This duo had already fought earlier at UFC 284 in Australia. Makhachev emerged victorious after being put on the spot a few times by The Great. Since then a title rematch has been on the cards, per se, however hasn’t materialized yet, owing to Volk aiming for Ilia Topuria next. Regardless, this comparison between Makhachev and Volk, even if it is about their hairstyles, has stoked some fire to this potential rivalry. 

One fan made a reference to Volkanovsky and his bold look.

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“He took bald Volk’s aura and now his look too”

Another fan pointed out that his opponent was growing on him.

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“Volk grew on him literally.”

This guy just made a Walter White from Breaking Bad reference.

“Walter Makhachev”

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One netizen praised Makhachev as the legend while another said he took his opponent’s secret power.

“The man the myth the legend”

“He took volks power”

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One fan made a hilarious pun by combining his title and his hairstyle. Another fan even questioned if he had turned into Joe Rogan in a hilarious attempt.

“Baldkhachev”

“That’s johnny makachev”

“Joe Rogan?”

Fans had wanted a rematch after UFC 284 and are now getting it. Let’s see who wins this time around and if fans are able to distinguish between the opponents since now they look so similar!

Read More: Joe Rogan Gives Unexpected Response When Asked to Choose Between Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje

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Tanushree Bhowmick

2,833 Articles

Tanushree Bhowmick is a Senior Olympic Sports Writer at EssentiallySports with over five years of experience in sports and lifestyle journalism. Having covered UFC and MMA extensively, she now brings that lens to Olympic wrestling—highlighting how traditional combat disciplines echo through modern fighting. With a keen eye for technique and storytelling, her work explores how champions are shaped across both worlds.

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Smrutisnat Jena

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