The 34-Year-Old Phenomenon: Inside Islam Makhachev's Shocking Two-Division Title Reign

Islam Makhachev, the dominant force in mixed martial arts, has recently cemented his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of his generation, and his current age of 34 is proving to be his athletic prime. As of December 2025, the Dagestani champion has not only continued his reign of terror in the lightweight division but has also achieved a historic feat that has reshaped the landscape of the UFC. The narrative around Makhachev has shifted from merely being the successor to his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, to that of a singular, generational talent who now holds gold in two of the sport's most competitive weight classes.

The most current and significant update to Makhachev’s storied career is his sensational victory at UFC 322, where he captured the UFC Welterweight Championship, making him a rare two-division champion. This monumental achievement, secured in late 2025, has instantly elevated him into the elite company of fighters like Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, and Amanda Nunes. Far from showing signs of slowing down, Makhachev’s calculated, suffocating style—a blend of world-class striking and unparalleled grappling—is reaching its absolute peak, leaving fans and analysts asking: what records are left for the 34-year-old phenom to break?

Islam Makhachev: Full Biography and Professional Profile

Islam Ramazanovich Makhachev's journey from the mountains of Dagestan to the pinnacle of mixed martial arts is a testament to discipline, tradition, and relentless training. His professional profile is marked by a dominant win streak and a championship pedigree that spans multiple disciplines.

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• Full Name: Islam Ramazanovich Makhachev
• Date of Birth: October 27, 1991
• Current Age (as of Dec 2025): 34 years old
• Place of Birth: Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia
• Hometown: Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia
• Nationality: Russian
• Stance: Southpaw
• Height: 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
• Weight Class: Welterweight (Current Champion), Lightweight (Former Champion)
• Training Camp: American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) / Eagles MMA
• Head Coach: Javier Mendez
• Notable Training Partner: Khabib Nurmagomedov (childhood friend and mentor)
• Professional MMA Debut: August 2010
• Current Professional Record: 28 Wins, 1 Loss (As of late 2025)
• UFC Debut: May 23, 2015
• Major Titles: UFC Lightweight Champion, UFC Welterweight Champion
• Other Achievements: Combat Sambo World Champion (2016)

The Peak of Power: How Age 34 Defined a Two-Division King

For many fighters, the early to mid-thirties represents a period of physical decline, but for Islam Makhachev, 34 has been the age of ultimate conquest. His recent move to the 170-pound division—Welterweight—was the moment that officially solidified his status as a true legend of the sport.

The Welterweight Conquest at UFC 322

The biggest news surrounding Makhachev in late 2025 was his challenge for the welterweight title against the formidable Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322. The decision to move up from the 155-pound lightweight division was a calculated risk, but one that demonstrated the champion’s belief in his comprehensive skill set. Makhachev’s performance was a masterclass in controlled aggression, utilizing his superior Dagestani wrestling to neutralize the striking threat of Maddalena. The victory not only earned him a second belt but also put him in a rare echelon of two-division champions, a feat that is often considered the pinnacle of MMA achievement.

This success at 170 lbs is particularly telling about his physical longevity. The move up a weight class requires not just technique but also the strength, conditioning, and durability to handle naturally larger opponents. Makhachev’s ability to dominate in a new division suggests his physical conditioning is at an all-time high, defying the common belief that a fighter's prime ends before their mid-thirties. His grappling, which features relentless pressure and suffocating top control, translated seamlessly to the heavier weight class, proving that technique trumps size.

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Lightweight Dominance and The Title Defense Record

Before his welterweight excursion, Makhachev had already established himself as the undisputed king of the lightweight division. His title defenses have been against some of the most dangerous contenders in the world, including a notable victory over Dustin Poirier via a signature D’Arce Choke submission. This win, which occurred earlier in 2025, showcased his lethal submission game and his ability to finish elite-level opposition.

The conversation now shifts to his legacy at 155 lbs. With his welterweight title secured, the focus remains on his potential to set a new record for most UFC lightweight title defenses. The name Arman Tsarukyan consistently comes up as the next major challenge in the lightweight bracket, a rematch that would not only be a spectacular fight but also a critical step in breaking the defense record. For Makhachev, holding both belts simultaneously presents a unique logistical and physical challenge—one that only true superstars can manage.

The Dagestani Blueprint: Sambo, AKA, and the Khabib Connection

Understanding Islam Makhachev’s success is impossible without acknowledging the unique training environment and cultural heritage that forged him. His foundation in Combat Sambo, a martial art originating in the Soviet Union, provides the bedrock for his elite-level grappling. Makhachev is a former Combat Sambo World Champion, an achievement that speaks volumes about his expertise in takedowns, throws, and submissions.

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This Sambo background, combined with his training at the world-renowned American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) in San Jose, California, under the guidance of coach Javier Mendez, has created an almost unbeatable fighting style. The AKA environment, famous for producing champions like Cain Velasquez and Daniel Cormier, provided the necessary structure to refine his striking and integrate his grappling into a complete MMA package.

The Shadow of the Eagle

The most talked-about entity in Makhachev's career is his lifelong friendship and mentorship with former UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. Both hailing from the same region of Dagestan, their bond is more than just a training partnership; it is a shared philosophy of discipline and dominance. Khabib's presence in Makhachev’s corner and his guidance have been instrumental in Islam’s rise. The "Khabib connection" is not just a narrative; it’s a tactical advantage, providing Makhachev with a strategic mind and a champion’s perspective in every camp.

The two fighters share a similar, suffocating style—often referred to as 'Dagestani wrestling'—which focuses on relentless forward pressure, cage control, and devastating ground-and-pound. Makhachev, however, has arguably developed a more refined and dangerous striking game, showcasing crisp boxing and powerful kicks that complement his wrestling. This evolution is what allowed him to secure the knockout and submission victories that have defined his recent run, demonstrating that he is a complete fighter, not just a grappler.

What’s Next for the 34-Year-Old Champion?

With two belts in hand, Islam Makhachev's future is filled with unprecedented opportunities and challenges. The primary question is whether he will defend his Lightweight title, his Welterweight title, or attempt to manage both simultaneously—a logistical nightmare that few have successfully navigated.

The lightweight division still holds compelling matchups, most notably the aforementioned rematch with Arman Tsarukyan, which would be a high-stakes affair with the potential to break the title defense record. In the welterweight division, new contenders will emerge, eager to test the two-division champion. For the 34-year-old, every fight from this point forward is a legacy fight.

Makhachev’s career trajectory is a perfect illustration that age is merely a number when combined with elite training, a disciplined lifestyle, and a championship mindset. As he enters the next phase of his career as a two-division king, fans can expect more history to be made by the man from Dagestan who has taken the UFC by storm.