Best fights of Islam Makhachev
Over 15 years as a professional, Islam Makhachev has compiled a 28-1 (18) record, including six title fights across two weight classes. Here are his top 10 best fights.
1. Islam Makhachev submits Charles Oliveira
On October 22, 2022 Islam Makhachev fought Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC lightweight title. Makhachev was 30 years old with a record of 22-1, and Oliveira was 33 with a record of 33-8. Makhachev was on a 10-fight winning streak and Oliveira was on a 11-fight winning streak. Makhachev submitted Charles Oliveira via arm-triangle choke in the 2nd round. Won the vacant title.
2. Islam Makhachev submits Dustin Poirier
On June 1, 2024 Islam Makhachev defended his UFC lightweight title against Dustin Poirier. Makhachev was 32 years old with a record of 25-1, and Poirier was 35 with a record of 30-8. Makhachev was on a 13-fight winning streak and Poirier was coming off a win. Makhachev submitted Dustin Poirier via brabo choke in the 5th round. Defended the title.
3. Islam Makhachev defeats Jack Della Maddalena
On November 15, 2025 Islam Makhachev fought Jack Della Maddalena for the UFC welterweight title. Makhachev was 34 years old with a record of 27-1, and Maddalena was 29 with a record of 18-2. Makhachev was on a 15-fight winning streak and Maddalena was on a 18-fight winning streak. Makhachev won via unanimous decision. Crowned the new welterweight champion.
4. Islam Makhachev KOs Alexander Volkanovski in their 2nd fight
On October 21, 2023 Islam Makhachev defended his UFC lightweight title against Alexander Volkanovski. It was their second meeting. Makhachev was 31 years old with a record of 24-1, and Volkanovski was 35 with a record of 26-2. Makhachev was on a 12-fight winning streak and Volkanovski was coming off a win. Makhachev stopped Alexander Volkanovski via KO in the 1st round. Defended the title.
5. Islam Makhachev submits Renato Moicano
On January 18, 2025 Islam Makhachev defended his UFC lightweight title against Renato Moicano. Makhachev was 33 years old with a record of 26-1, and Moicano was 35 with a record of 20-5-1. Makhachev was on a 14-fight winning streak and Moicano was on a 4-fight winning streak. Makhachev submitted Renato Moicano via brabo choke in the 1st round. Defended the title.
6. Islam Makhachev KOs King Green
On February 26, 2022 Islam Makhachev faced King Green in a lightweight bout. Makhachev was 30 years old with a record of 21-1, and Green was 35 with a record of 29-12-1. Makhachev was on a 9-fight winning streak and Green was on a 2-fight winning streak. Makhachev stopped King Green via TKO in the 1st round.
7. Islam Makhachev defeats Alexander Volkanovski
On February 12, 2023 Islam Makhachev defended his UFC lightweight title against Alexander Volkanovski. Makhachev was 31 years old with a record of 23-1, and Volkanovski was 34 with a record of 25-1. Makhachev was on a 11-fight winning streak and Volkanovski was on a 22-fight winning streak. Makhachev won via unanimous decision. Defended the title.
8. Islam Makhachev submits Dan Hooker
On October 30, 2021 Islam Makhachev faced Dan Hooker in a lightweight bout. Makhachev was 30 years old with a record of 20-1, and Hooker was 31 with a record of 21-10. Makhachev was on a 8-fight winning streak and Hooker was coming off a win. Makhachev submitted Dan Hooker via kimura in the 1st round.
9. Islam Makhachev defeats Nik Lentz
On February 11, 2017 Islam Makhachev faced Nik Lentz in a lightweight bout. Makhachev was 25 years old with a record of 13-1, and Lentz was 32 with a record of 27-7-2. Makhachev was coming off a win and Lentz was on a 2-fight winning streak. Makhachev won via unanimous decision.
10. Islam Makhachev KOs Gleison Tibau in 57 seconds
On January 20, 2018 Islam Makhachev faced Gleison Tibau in a lightweight bout. Makhachev was 26 years old with a record of 14-1, and Tibau was 34 with a record of 33-12. Makhachev was on a 2-fight winning streak, while Tibau was on a 2-fight losing streak. Makhachev stopped Gleison Tibau via KO in the 1st round.