The UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has stated that his daughter will not receive a phone call just yet. He shared his view with Sports Express, emphasizing a cautious approach to introducing technology to his child. According to Makhachev, it is not too early to consider such a step, but he believes in guiding his daughter through meaningful experiences first. He noted that if he can safely accompany her to and from school, there may be less immediate need for a phone. Yet he recognizes that the digital world is deeply integrated into daily life today, and a phone could become a practical necessity if circumstances require it. Still, he added that there is no obvious benefit in rushing the decision, underscoring a measured, parent-centered approach to screen time and independence.
On February 12, Makhachev secured a unanimous decision win over Australian challenger Alex Volkanovski after five intense rounds at UFC 284 in Perth. The victory marked his 24th win with only one loss in his professional mixed martial arts career. It also represented his first successful title defense since becoming champion, reinforcing his status at the pinnacle of the sport. Across 25 career bouts, Makhachev has demonstrated consistency, discipline, and strategic depth that have earned him recognition beyond the octagon. His trajectory reflects a blend of technical mastery, conditioning, and tactical intelligence that opponents continually study and analysts repeatedly assess.
Looking ahead, Makhachev is slated to defend his title in a highly anticipated matchup on October 21 against Charles Oliveira. An injury to Oliveira during training necessitated a change in plans, with Volkanovski stepping in to take Oliveira’s place. This shift adds a new layer of intrigue to the title race, as Volkanovski brings his own strengths and a proven track record against elite competition. The broader implications for the lightweight division are significant, as fans and pundits anticipate how the stylistic matchup between Makhachev and Volkanovski will unfold and influence the championship landscape in the months to come. The magnitude of the event underscores the ongoing evolution of the division and the relentless pursuit of excellence by the sport’s top athletes.
Earlier, Makhachev had referenced a mistake from their initial confrontation with Volkanovski, offering insight into the learning process that accompanies high-stakes competition. In mixed martial arts, the mental and tactical dimensions are as crucial as physical readiness, and such reflections often reveal a fighter’s growth mindset. The dialogue around these past exchanges highlights the ongoing narrative between two of the division’s most formidable figures. For fans, analysts, and newcomers alike, these moments illuminate how preparation, adaptation, and resilience shape outcomes inside the cage and outside in strategic discussions about future matchups.