UFC Champion Islam Makhachev Declines UAE Flag Representation Amid Schedule Shifts
In a recent discussion, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) champion Islam Makhachev clarified that he did not accept an offer to compete under the UAE flag. The fighter, who continues to train in Russia and has strong ties to the global MMA community, responded to questions about national representation by noting that after his first bout with the Emirates, he was approached about competing for the United Arab Emirates. He added that Russia remained his home and that the topic had not been revisited thereafter, underscoring his decision to stay aligned with his roots.
Meanwhile, a notable development involved Khamzat Chimaev, another prominent Russian-born fighter who represents Sweden in international events. Reports indicate that Chimaev is set to appear under the UAE banner in his forthcoming bout against Kamaru Usman, signaling a nuanced shift in country representation within the sport’s high-profile matchups.
On February 12, Makhachev secured a unanimous decision over Australian challenger Alex Volkanovski at UFC 284 in Perth. The victory marked his 24th win with just one loss across a professional career that has spanned many significant appearances. This triumph also represented Makhachev’s first title defense, reinforcing his status at the pinnacle of the lightweight division and keeping his professional record at 24-1 with one blemish.
Looking ahead, Makhachev is slated to defend his title again on October 21 in a matchup that was originally set to feature Charles Oliveira. Oliveira sustained an injury during training, paving the way for Volkanovski to step in as the challenger and continue the title fight storyline that has captivated fans around the world.
There have been recent remarks suggesting Makhachev’s evolving views on UFC rankings. The fighter has hinted at dissatisfaction with how rankings are perceived within the sport, a topic that has sparked discussion among fans and analysts about how champions are assessed and celebrated in modern MMA. (Citation: Match TV)