ISLAM MAKHACHEV

Hailing from Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russian competitor Islam Makhachev prepares out of the American Kickboxing Academy. The switch-stance athlete relies heavily on a background in combat sambo to showcase his grappling skills. Currently competing in the UFC welterweight division as champion after previously holding the lightweight crown, Makhachev has earned notable victories against top contenders.

Holding an 8-0-0 record ahead of UFC Fight Night: Medić vs. Rodriguez, Makhachev enters with five consecutive wins. This stretch began with a technical knockout of Bobby Green and an arm-triangle submission over Charles Oliveira. He followed these by defeating Alexander Volkanovski twice, first by unanimous decision and then via a head kick and punches knockout. Most recently, he stopped Dustin Poirier with a brabo choke.