Former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is returning to snatch the UFC welterweight title this weekend in New York against Jack Della Maddalena. The Dagestan native will be looking to register a second title in the second weight class, given that he has a chance to permanently edge past his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Yes, Islam Makhachev is just one successful win away from surpassing his mentor, who has just one title in one division. But let’s not dive into the most talked-about part of his life. Instead, let’s dive into his personal life since he’s the fighter in focus ahead of UFC 322. Today, we’ll explore the details of his father that fans may not be aware of.

Who Is Ramazan Makhachev? Islam’s Father’s Humble Life as a Driver and Farmer

Born and brought up in the streets of Makhachkala, Islam Makhachev was weak during his boyhood years and had to fight to gain strength. The current champion was not only the favorite of his father but also the favorite of his former coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Despite being born in a city, Makhachev spent most of his life in a remote village in the Republic of Dagestan, Burshi.

The 34-year-old keeps his private life under the rug, and there’s very scarce information about it. However, sources stated that Makhachev’s mother was a housewife who ran a small cafe while his father, Ramazan Makhachev, was a driver and grew tomatoes in his free time. He also worked in his greenhouse, and Islam used to help his father as a loader. Now that we know a bit about his family, let us look at what the undisputed champion had to say about them.

Why Islam Makhachev’s Mother Has Never Watched Him Fight: Ramazan’s Revelation

Just like Khabib Nurmagomedov’s mother, Islam Makhachev’s mother also wishes for her son to retire at the top—as a reigning champion. In an interview, Makhachev spoke fondly about his parents’ differing views on his fighting career. While his father enjoys watching him compete, his mother wants him to walk away from the sport. 

“You’re champion now. Wrap it up,” she told him. “Khabib listened to his mother. When will you listen to yours?” Interestingly, Makhachev’s mother doesn’t even watch his fights. In a touching revelation, his father, Ramazan Makhachev, shared, “His mother never does [watch the fights]. She even leaves the house during his fights, whether it’s night or day. She is away for an hour or two.” 

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This came to light after Islam returned to Makhachkala after one of his title defences at lightweight, where fans welcomed him as a hero. Despite his mother’s absence during fight nights, Makhachev draws strength from the unwavering support of his loved ones and fans. “This gives us motivation to move on and train even more, knowing that so many people care; don’t sleep at night and root for us when we fight,” he said proudly.

But he couldn’t have done what he has without his father.

How Islam Makhachev’s Father Shaped His Champion Mentality

Islam Makhachev’s rise to UFC glory was built on a foundation of struggle and discipline forged during his humble beginnings in Dagestan. Growing up in a small mountain village, Makhachev faced the harsh realities of rural life—limited resources, cold winters, and the constant need to work hard for even the simplest comforts. 

His father, Ramazan, worked tirelessly to provide for the family, teaching Islam the value of persistence, education, and self-reliance. Previously, in a social media post, Makhachev thanked his father for whatever he did for him, “My father worked harder than me to make me a champion,” said Makhachev while posting a pic of his father in childhood.

And Makhachev plans to follow the same example with his own kids. In a recent interview with UFC, he said, “I’ll be just as strict with my kids as my father was with me.” Reflecting on the modern style of parenting, he added, “Are Khabib and I psychologically damaged? Both our fathers were very strict. It’s the other way around.”

Having said that, Islam Makhachev is looking to find success in his title fight to fulfill his double-champion dreams. Regardless, what are your predictions for his upcoming match?