Islam Makhachev Admits Underwhelming Feeling After Achieving Historic ‘Double Champ’ Status

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev reveals how his lightweight title win precedes the feeling of winning his second championship.

Islam Makhachev Admits Underwhelming Feeling After Achieving Historic ‘Double Champ’ Status

Islam Makhachev talks about why championship win felt different (via MMA Mania)

In Short
  • Islam Makhachev has become the 11th two-division champion in UFC history after winning the welterweight title.
  • He expressed that winning his first lightweight belt remains the most significant achievement of his career.
  • Makhachev now faces new challenges in a competitive welterweight division with rising contenders.

Islam Makhachev’s UFC career is marked by two divisional titles and long-standing dominance. He first gained global recognition by capturing the UFC lightweight crown, cementing his status among the elite. Recently, he added the UFC welterweight championship, though he has noted the second belt feels different from his first title win. His initial championship remains the defining moment of his career.

Makhachev won the UFC lightweight belt at UFC 280 after submitting fan-favorite champion Charles Oliveira, marking his arrival at the sport’s highest level. He developed under the tutelage of Khabib Nurmagomedov, adopting a grappling-heavy, control-oriented style. During his reign, he defended the title against top contenders, including Alexander Volkanovski and Dustin Poirier, before vacating it in May 2025.

Makhachev delivered a dominant wrestling performance to earn a unanimous decision over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322. The win made him the 11th two‑division champion in UFC history and tied him for the longest UFC win streak at 16 consecutive victories. Despite these historic accomplishments, the 34-year-old Dagestani champion revealed that winning his first lightweight belt remains unmatched.

I spent my whole life for that moment. I remember training whole life. Training everyday from the gym and back no family, no friends, no go somewhere only discipline. I just put on table everything that I had that night, I remember the emotion I have when [Oliveira] tapped. It’s all [done]. I never felt like it before. Winning the second belt is not the same. The first belt is the biggest thing for my life.

Islam Makhachev via Arena Fight TV

Makhachev has been commended by many, including his rivals, for reaching heights his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, never pursued. The ‘Eagle’ was widely regarded as one of the most dominant champions in history, but never sought a second belt, retiring in 2019 after defending his title three times. By capturing titles in two divisions, Makhachev has expanded his legacy beyond that of his mentor.

Islam Makhachev now faces a new set of challenges in a younger, stacked welterweight division, with fighters like Ian Garry, Michael Morales, and Carlos Prates seeking title opportunities. This landscape differs from his lightweight run, as these contenders bring recent momentum and rising profiles. His recent comments about the feeling of his first belt highlight the personal significance of every title fight ahead.

Islam Makhachev reveals the only coach whom he would never question

Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov had a major impact on MMA, shaping fighters into champions. He trained his son, Khabib Nurmagomedov, one of the greatest UFC lightweight champions in history. His training also guided his nephew, Usman Nurmagomedov, to PFL lightweight championship success. Abdulmanap played a vital role in Islam Makhachev’s rise, providing mentorship that laid the foundation for his UFC titles.

Islam Makhachev with Khabib Nurmagomedov and Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov
Islam Makhachev with Khabib Nurmagomedov and Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov (via Instagram)

The legendary Dagestani coach trained both Khabib and Makhachev from childhood, emphasizing early discipline and technical mastery. He used the natural environment to create training equipment and developed strict routines to build strength and resilience. The welterweight champion recently underscored the lasting impact of these lessons on his success in the UFC.

Abdulmanap is the guy who believed in me first when I was young and not thinking about a UFC belt. He told me to do the same things, be patient, and one day I’d become a champion. I didn’t believe others, I believed him. I started training more, and when I had some problems outside, he said, ‘Go to the gym, I will fix it for you.’

Islam Makhachev via Arena Fight TV

After Abdulmanap’s passing, a void in Makhachev’s training emerged, requiring careful guidance. His son, Khabib Nurmagomedov, stepped in to continue the mentorship without taking shortcuts. The ‘Eagle’ maintained the rigorous standards and discipline instilled by his father, ensuring Makhachev stayed on track. This guidance was pivotal in helping Islam Makhachev win two UFC divisional championships.

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