Islam Makhachev demonstrated versatility by competing in a basketball-wrestling hybrid sport and later vacated the UFC lightweight title to become a two-division champion by winning the welterweight title.
Islam Makhachev’s skills extend beyond traditional combat sports. Recently, he showcased his versatility in a unique blend of basketball and wrestling.
As the reigning UFC welterweight champ, Makhachev represented the Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov MMA School in a Wrestball tournament in Dagestan. Facing off against Tarki Tau, he delivered impressive performances on both offense and defense.
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In 2025, Makhachev was set to defend his UFC lightweight title against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311. However, an injury sidelined Tsarukyan just a day before the fight. Makhachev then faced Renato Moicano on short notice, finishing him in the first round—his last title defense.
Afterward, Makhachev vacated the title, now held by Ilia Topuria, to move up to welterweight. There, he dominated Jack Della Maddalena over five rounds at UFC 322 in November, becoming the 11th fighter in UFC history to claim titles in two divisions.