Islam Makhachev, the renowned UFC fighter from Russia, revealed that there was a proposal for him to compete under the UAE flag. The offer reportedly surfaced after his first victory in a match broadcast by Match TV, sparking discussion about national representation in the sport.
According to Makhachev, the question of switching allegiance was concrete at one point. He recalled, after the initial bout, being asked if he would represent the Emirates. The athlete and his team responded clearly that he represents Russia and continues to live there. The issue was not pursued any further, and the matter did not reemerge in subsequent conversations.
On February 12, Makhachev’s career milestone was cemented in Perth at UFC 284, where he defeated Australian challenger Alexander Volkanovski by unanimous decision after five rounds. The victory marked a significant moment for the Russian champion, extending his professional record to 24 wins and a single defeat. It also represented his first title defense in the UFC, a milestone that underscored his status as a top lightweight in the organization. With this win, Makhachev’s career totals rose to 25 fights, 24 victories, and just one loss—a stat line that reflects a high level of consistency at the sport’s highest level.
Looking ahead, Makhachev was scheduled to defend his title in a planned showdown with Charles Oliveira on October 21. However, Oliveira sustained an injury during training, prompting a late change in the lineup and resulting in Alexander Volkanovski stepping in as the replacement challenger for the title bout. The shift kept the championship scene dynamic and underscored the sport’s unpredictability when a training setback alters the expected matchups.
In other remarks, Makhachev addressed questions about his interactions with Khabib Nurmagomedov, offering insights into their dynamic and his perspective on harsh exchanges. The discussion highlighted the contrasting styles and personalities within their renowned team, emphasizing a professional relationship built on mutual respect and shared objectives and illustrating how public discourse can diverge from private mentorship in elite mixed martial arts circles. (Citation: Match TV; post-fight interview coverage)