What is Islam Makhachev Net Worth?

Islam Makhachev net worth is estimated at $6 million. The Russian MMA star competes in the lightweight division of the UFC, holding the UFC Lightweight Championship since late 2022. Ranked number one in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings in 2023, Makhachev is widely regarded as one of the most dominant lightweights of his generation. Before MMA, he excelled in combat sambo, winning the 2016 World Sambo Championship.

Islam Makhachev Net Worth: $6 Million
Date of Birth: October 27, 1991
Place of Birth: Makhachkala

Table of Contents

Early Life

Islam Makhachev was born on October 27, 1991, in Makhachkala and raised in the small village of Burshi. He has an older brother, Kurbanismail. Makhachev began practicing martial arts at age seven, starting with taekwondo, then moving on to sanda, the Chinese combat sport. Later, he trained in freestyle wrestling for a year before focusing on mixed martial arts.

While pursuing his fighting career, he studied physical education and sports at Dagestan State University, laying the foundation for both his athletic and technical knowledge.

MMA Career in Russia

Makhachev began his professional MMA career in 2010 in the Tsumada Fighting Championship, defeating Magomed Bekbolatov in his lightweight debut.

In 2011, he joined M-1 Global, winning bouts over Tengiz Khuchua, Martiros Grigoryan, Magomed Ibragimov, and others.
Between 2012 and 2014, he secured multiple victories over top Russian fighters, including Mansour Barnaoui, Yuri Ivlev, and Ivica Trušček.

These early successes established Makhachev as one of Russia’s top lightweight prospects.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

In 2014, Makhachev signed a four-fight contract with the UFC and made his debut at UFC 187 in 2015, defeating Leo Kuntz.

He suffered his first UFC loss against Adriano Martins at UFC 192 but quickly rebounded, defeating Chris Wade, Nik Lentz, Gleison Tibau, Kajan Johnson, and more.
At UFC Fight Night 149 in 2019, Makhachev defeated Arman Tsarukyan and earned his first Fight of the Night bonus.
In 2021, he continued his winning streak with victories over Drew Dober, Thiago Moisés, and Dan Hooker.

UFC Lightweight Championship

Makhachev won the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship by defeating Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. He has since defended the title successfully three times:

Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284
Volkanovski (rematch) at UFC 294
Dustin Poirier at UFC 302

For his fight against Poirier, Makhachev earned both Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night awards, highlighting his dominance in the division.

Sambo Achievements

Before MMA, Makhachev was a professional sambo competitor.

He won the Russian National Combat Sambo Championship in the 74 kg division in 2014 and 2016.
Makhachev claimed the 2016 World Sambo Championship in Sofia, Bulgaria, cementing his reputation as a world-class grappler.

National Honors

Makhachev’s achievements have earned recognition from his native Dagestan:

Order for Merit to the Republic of Dagestan (2022)
Sali Suleiman Medal (2023), the highest honor from the Dagestan Ministry of Sports

These awards reflect his status as a national sporting hero in Russia.

Personal Life

Islam Makhachev lives in Makhachkala, Dagestan, near his hometown roots. He remains connected to his community and is involved in programs to support youth and martial arts development in his region.