Islam Makhachev: Elite MMA Fighter & UFC Lightweight & Welterweight Champion
Who Is Islam Makhachev?
Islam Makhachev is a world-class MMA Fighter competing in the UFC and is widely recognized as one of the best mixed martial arts athletes of his generation. As a dominant MMA Fighter in the lightweight division (155 lbs / 70 kg), Makhachev has built a reputation for elite grappling, relentless pressure, and exceptional fight IQ.
Full Name: Islam Ramazanovich Makhachev
Date of Birth: October 27, 1991
Nationality: Russian
Division: Lightweight (155 lbs / 70 kg)
Style: Sambo, Wrestling, MMA
Profession: Professional MMA Fighter
Early Life and Background of the MMA Fighter
Islam Makhachev was born in Dagestan, Russia — a region globally respected for producing elite wrestlers and MMA fighters. Growing up in the Republic of Dagestan, the future MMA Fighter was immersed in combat sports culture from a young age.
He was mentored by legendary coach:
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov was also the father and coach of:
Khabib Nurmagomedov
Makhachev and Khabib trained together from childhood, forming a brother-like bond. Their relationship goes beyond friendship — it is built on shared discipline, loyalty, and years of martial arts development under the same system. This foundation helped shape Makhachev into the elite MMA Fighter he is today.
UFC Career & Championship Success
Islam Makhachev rose rapidly through the UFC lightweight rankings, establishing himself as a dominant MMA Fighter with a powerful wrestling base and submission expertise.
He captured the UFC Lightweight Championship, cementing his status as one of the most successful MMA fighters in the promotion. His calm composure, technical precision, and suffocating ground control have often drawn comparisons to Khabib’s undefeated run.
As of 2025:
- He remains one of the top lightweight MMA Fighters in the world.
- He has competed against elite, top-ranked opponents.
- He is widely regarded as a pound-for-pound elite MMA Fighter in the UFC.
Is This MMA Fighter a Double Champion?
There have been discussions about Islam Makhachev moving up to the welterweight division (170 lbs / 77 kg). Whether this MMA Fighter holds simultaneous titles depends on official UFC championship results at the time.
He is most famously recognized as
UFC Lightweight Champion (155 lbs / 70 kg division)
Fighting Style & Strengths of the MMA Fighter
Islam Makhachev’s dominance as an MMA fighter comes from:
- Elite Sambo background
- World-class grappling control
- High fight intelligence
- Exceptional cardio conditioning
- Calm, championship-level mindset
His ability to neutralize strikers and dominate grapplers makes him one of the most complete MMA Fighters in modern mixed martial arts.
Legacy & Impact on MMA
Training under Dagestan’s renowned combat system, Islam Makhachev continues the legacy built by Khabib Nurmagomedov and Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
As a leading MMA fighter of his era, he represents
- The dominance of Dagestani wrestling in MMA
- A new generation of technically disciplined champions
- A championship mentality built on structure, faith, and hard training
Jon Jones: Legendary MMA Fighter & Two-Division UFC Champion
Who Is Jon Jones?
Jonathan Dwight Jones, widely known as Jon Jones, is an American MMA fighter born on July 19, 1987. Regarded as one of the greatest MMA fighters in UFC history, Jones competed professionally from 2008 through 2024, building a legacy across two weight divisions.
As an elite MMA fighter, Jon Jones dominated both the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions, becoming a two-division UFC champion.
Full Name: Jonathan Dwight Jones
Born: July 19, 1987
Nationality: American
Profession: Professional MMA Fighter
Divisions: Light Heavyweight (205 lbs) & Heavyweight (265 lbs)
Jon Jones’ Career Journey as an MMA Fighter
Jon Jones began his professional journey as a rising MMA fighter in 2008. His rapid ascent through the UFC ranks showcased his elite wrestling, unorthodox striking, and exceptional fight IQ.
As a dominant MMA fighter, Jones captured the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship at a young age, becoming one of the youngest champions in UFC history. Years later, he successfully moved up and secured the UFC Heavyweight Championship, further solidifying his status as a two-division MMA champion.
Throughout his career, this legendary MMA fighter defeated multiple former champions and top-ranked contenders, establishing one of the most accomplished resumes in UFC history.
Championship Success & UFC History
Jon Jones’ UFC history stands among the most accomplished in mixed martial arts. As a record-setting MMA fighter:
- He became a multi-time UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.
- He later won the UFC Heavyweight Championship.
- He defeated numerous elite and undisputed champions.
- He built one of the longest championship reigns in UFC light heavyweight history.
His dominance inside the Octagon made him one of the most feared MMA fighters of his era.
Although often described as nearly unbeatable, Jon Jones officially recorded two losses in his professional MMA career. However, neither loss came through a traditional defeat in competition—one was due to disqualification, and the other was a controversial decision.
Despite setbacks from outside competition, Jones is widely considered one of the most talented and technically complete MMA fighters in the sport’s history.
Fighting Style & Strengths of the MMA Fighter
Jon Jones stood out as a unique MMA fighter due to:
- Elite wrestling background
- Creative striking techniques
- Long reach and physical advantages
- High-level fight intelligence
- Ability to adapt to different opponents
His versatility allowed him to outclass strikers, wrestlers, and submission specialists alike, making him one of the most complete MMA fighters ever seen in the UFC.
As a Hall-of-Fame-caliber MMA fighter, Jon Jones leaves behind a legacy defined by championships, records, and elite-level performances across two divisions.
He is remembered as:
- A two-division UFC champion
- One of the most dominant MMA Fighters in light heavyweight history
- A heavyweight champion who proved his greatness in multiple weight classes
Jon Jones’ career remains one of the most debated, analyzed, and respected legacies in MMA history.
Who Is Alexander Volkanovski?
Alexander Volkanovski is a world-class Australian MMA fighter and one of the most accomplished competitors in UFC history. Born on September 29, 1988, Volkanovski built his legacy as a dominant MMA fighter in the featherweight division while also competing in the lightweight division.
As a professional MMA fighter, he earned global recognition for his technical striking, elite cardio, and championship mentality.
Full Name: Alexander Volkanovski
Date of Birth: September 29, 1988
Nationality: Australian
Profession: Professional MMA Fighter
Divisions: Featherweight (145 lbs) & Lightweight (155 lbs)
Career Overview of the MMA Fighter
Alexander Volkanovski began his professional journey as a rising MMA Fighter in Australia before entering the UFC and quickly climbing the rankings. His relentless work ethic and well-rounded skillset helped him become one of the most complete MMA Fighters in modern mixed martial arts.
As a dominant MMA Fighter, Volkanovski captured the UFC Featherweight Championship, establishing himself as one of the greatest featherweights in UFC history. He successfully defended his title multiple times against elite-level MMA Fighters.
Championship Reign & Pound-for-Pound Status
Between 2022 and 2023, Alexander Volkanovski reigned as one of the most dominant MMA Fighters in the UFC. During this period:
- He was ranked the UFC’s pound-for-pound No. 1 MMA Fighter.
- He defended his featherweight championship against top contenders.
- He competed at lightweight in high-profile championship bouts.
His performances during this era strengthened his reputation as an elite MMA Fighter capable of competing across weight divisions.
Fighting Style & Strengths of the MMA Fighter
Alexander Volkanovski stands out as an MMA Fighter because of:
- High-volume, technical striking
- Exceptional endurance and cardio
- Tactical fight IQ
- Strong wrestling base
- Adaptability against different fighting styles
His ability to adjust mid-fight and control the pace makes him one of the smartest MMA Fighters in the sport.
Legacy in MMA History
As one of Australia’s greatest MMA Fighters, Alexander Volkanovski has made a lasting impact on the sport. His championship reign, pound-for-pound ranking, and consistent performances against elite competition position him among the most respected MMA Fighters of his generation.
He is remembered as:
- A dominant UFC Featherweight Champion
- A pound-for-pound elite MMA Fighter
- One of the most technically skilled MMA Fighters in modern UFC history