
via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 23: Islam Makhachev of Russia (black shirt) speaks with Leo Kuntz after their lightweight bout during the UFC 187 event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 23, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

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LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 23: Islam Makhachev of Russia (black shirt) speaks with Leo Kuntz after their lightweight bout during the UFC 187 event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 23, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
The latest victory of Islam Makhachev has cemented his status as one of the promotion’s most dominant fighters. In Makhachev‘s recent bout against pound-for-pound #1 UFC fighter Alexander Volkanovski, the Russian emerged victorious won, defeating the UFC featherweight champion on his home turf. This remarkable feat has earned him the Sali Suleiman medal. It is the highest honor that the Ministry of Sports of Dagestan can give, where the 31-year-old hails from.
However, not all fans and experts were convinced of Makhachev‘s win. Many believed that Volkanovski was the more dominant fighter and came extremely close to finishing the lightweight champ. Moreover, some even criticized a UFC legend for siding with Makhachev, further fueling the controversy surrounding the match. Nevertheless, #2 p4p continues to enjoy a loyal fan base, with many still praising him for his impressive achievement.
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Fans respond to Islam Makhachev receiving Sali Suleiman medal
The excitement and sense of fulfillment were quite evident in the fans’ response. Despite the recent backlash he has been facing, his fans still showed incredible support for the Dagestani fighter.
Meanwhile,
Islam Makhachev was invited by the head of Dagestan and awarded the Sali Suleiman medal, the highest honor established by the Ministry of Sports of Dagestan 👏🏽 #AndStill #P4PKing pic.twitter.com/H3wRFBjL0B
— 𝕽𝖆𝖎𝖓𝖒𝖆𝖐𝖊𝖗❂ (@Sa_Gwang) February 17, 2023
Here’s what the fans had to say:
A fan said:
I ain’t even Daghestan why am I proud
— Nathan Diaz JR (@AbsolutlyNobode) February 17, 2023
One fan said that Makhachev made stops at other places as well:
Stopped in w/ a buddy of his as well pic.twitter.com/ANB5kVtt81
— DonnyBrook (@bolincrowne) February 17, 2023
Another fan said:
the jewel of this world not just Dagestan 😍
— ISLAM IS PFP #1 🐐👑 (@its_benjiman) February 17, 2023
Some fans also called him the P4P King:
The real P4P king Islam Makhachew
— ALI Aziz (@aliman71) February 17, 2023
Meanwhile, one fan gave some insight:
Wow. Sali Suleiman is legendary Azerbaijani wrestler the only man who beat another Russian legendary wrestler Ivan Poddubniy. Way to honor Caucasian ancestors! 💪
— Murad Alakbarov (@AlakbarovMurad) February 17, 2023
Whilst a fan asked:
Does he know he cheated?
— elmatador (@XrpIz) February 17, 2023
A fan doesn’t value it much:
A medal that no one has ever heard of or even gives a fuck about 🤣🤣
— 🚨DADDY🚨 (@__dagger___) February 17, 2023
Some fans mocked Volkanovski:
While Volk was invited by Ariel Helwani to cry about his loss
— . (@AFCGSP) February 17, 2023
Fans clearly show much they love Makhachev and how much this accolade means not only to him but to his admirers as well. Moreover, once in the past Sergey Melikov showed his excitement about Makhachev as well
Head of Dagestan hails Makhachev’s title win
Sergey Melikov, the head of the Russian Republic of Dagestan, expressed his excitement when Makhachev became the UFC champion by defeating Charles Oliveira. According to Melikov, they had been eagerly awaiting the fight and were confident of Makhachev‘s victory.
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In his statement, Melikov said, “Islam Makhachev is a UFC champion! We all waited for this fight and had no doubt that this would be the result. After the retirement of Khabib Nurmagomedov, the belt briefly stayed with a representative of another country [Charles Oliveira], and today it has returned home – to Russia! Dagestani sportsmen have again become first in such a prestigious league.”

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HIDALGO, TX – SEPTEMBER 17: Islam Makhachev of Russia celebrates his victory over Chris Wade in their lightweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at State Farm Arena on September 17, 2016 in Hidalgo, Texas. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Melikov expressed his relief and happiness that another Dagestani athlete had regained the UFC championship belt after Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s retirement. Moreover, the people of Dagestan have a strong tradition of producing exceptional athletes, and Makhachev‘s victory is a testament to their ongoing success.
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