(Video) UFC Star Islam Makhachev Hilariously Requests to Takeover Pilot Role in Airplane

Islam Makhachev is currently enjoying time away from training camp following his victory over Jack Della Maddalena inside the octagon. The reigning champion has teased several intriguing possibilities regarding his next fight, which has kept fans buzzing with excitement. Despite intense competition at the highest level, Makhachev continues to showcase his calm personality and sharp wit outside the ring.

A recent viral social media post once again highlighted his natural humor, proving why supporters admire his witty dialogues. While traveling back to his hometown, Dagestan, the welterweight champion visited the cockpit where an excited pilot warmly welcomed him.

Being a big supporter, the pilot allowed Makhachev to explore and gently touch the aircraft’s control panel. Both shared laughs and jokes during the lighthearted exchange, creating a wholesome moment that quickly went viral.

I have to go Tomorrow Dagestan. Can I go? Give me small lessons what I have to do bro. I can go alone? If something happen, you have parachute?

Islam Makhachev via Instagram 

Makhachev recently visited Serbia, where he met President Aleksandar Vučić and was honored for his achievements. Islam Makhachev is genuinely one of the funniest personalities on the UFC roster beyond his dominant championship performances.

Islam Makhachev asks the pilot to let him fly the jet 😅✈️

"Just give me a small lesson. Tomorrow I have to go to Dagestan."

(Via @MAKHACHEVMMA ) pic.twitter.com/NfXLEIFDpD

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) February 12, 2026

From asking “Who give him belt?” to Dustin Poirier to joking about “2-3 years in Dagestan and forget”, his one-liners constantly go viral. His dry delivery, calm expressions, and perfectly timed sarcasm have turned simple interviews into unforgettable fan favorite moments. Previously, Khabib Nurmagomedov displayed a similar deadpan humor that resonated strongly with fight fans worldwide.

Makhachev has proudly carried that Dagestani legacy both inside and outside the Octagon, blending dominance with effortless comedy. He has definitely taken the Dagestani legacy further by becoming a double champion, something ‘The Eagle’ never did. Now, fans are excited about who’s next in line to fight the pound-for-pound king of UFC.

Alexander Volkanovski talks about his clash with Islam Makhachev 

Three years ago, Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski met in a highly anticipated superfight that captivated the entire MMA world. Inside a roaring Australian arena packed with passionate home supporters, Volkanovski delivered a masterclass performance against the dominant lightweight champion.

Despite being undersized for the division, Volkanovski showcased relentless pressure, sharp combinations, and elite grappling defense throughout five exhausting rounds. Makhachev, however, relied on his calculated striking, suffocating control, and championship composure to edge crucial moments during exchanges.

After 25 intense minutes of competition, the judges awarded Makhachev a unanimous decision victory. Many fans and analysts debated the outcome fiercely, with some labeling the verdict controversial and even calling it outright robbery.

Eight months later, fate offered them a rematch opportunity, though circumstances heavily favored the reigning lightweight champion. Volkanovski accepted the second fight on short notice, stepping up courageously despite limited preparation and training time.

This time, Makhachev appeared sharper, more aggressive, and completely determined to erase any lingering doubts publicly. A perfectly timed headkick stunned Volkanovski before a decisive finish sealed Makhachev’s emphatic statement victory. In a recent interview, the two-time featherweight champion explained his clash with Islam Makhachev and how incredible it was. 

We know how good Islam is. Till this day, look what he’s doing. His resume was still good, but it wasn’t the resume he’s got now. But everyone knew he was that good. And me moving up against a guy that’s got that style, everyone thought there’s no way. So for me to go out there and do what I did, a lot of people thinking I won. It was a massive fight, lived up to the hype. Even though I lost, I still think it’s probably one of the biggest moments of my career.

Alexander Volkanovski via Engage 

Alexander Volkanovski reflects on his first fight with Islam Makhachev as one of the biggest moments of his career

"We know how good Islam is. Till this day, look what he's doing. His resume was still good, but it wasn't the resume he's got now. But everyone knew he was that… pic.twitter.com/483VmSEhSo

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) February 12, 2026

Volkanovski had a rough patch against Ilia Topuria, but later bounced back to win the featherweight belt. At the age of 37, the Aussie legend is ready to defend his belt against top contenders as much as possible. On the other hand, Makhachev has a similar responsibility in the highly competitive welterweight division.

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