WATCH: Islam Makhachev shows off INSANE aim shooting birds in hilarious side quest

Islam Makhachev was spotted on a speedboat and used a shotgun to hunt down birds.

WATCH: Islam Makhachev shows off INSANE aim shooting birds in hilarious side quest

Islam Makhachev hunts birds (via Imago/X)

UFC fighters are just like the rest of us. They have various hobbies, engage in recreation, and have fun. The reigning lightweight champion is doing side quests while being away from the octagon. Islam Makhachev is honing some rather unorthodox skills – bird hunting with a firearm. The man’s aim is deadlier than a 12-6 elbow!

A video of Makhachev has made the rounds online. He was seen on a speed boat with some of his comrades. The lightweight champion seemed ecstatic. He spotted some birds in the distance and grabbed his shotgun. Islam Makhachev can be seen hunting down not one but two birds in quick succession. It’s like he’s got some sort of avian targeting system built into those Dagestani eyes.

YouTube video

Makhachev recently fought in October of 2023 against the then-reigning featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. He was initially set to face Charles Oliveira, but Oliveira’s injury forced him out of the bout. As of now, news about a potential fight against Dustin Poirier in June is said to be in the works.

FS Video

The real story here is the sheer weirdness of seeing a top-tier UFC champion casually plucking birds out of the sky. It’s the kind of random side quest that would make the most seasoned video game player raise an eyebrow. One could expect the lightweight champion to go on sidequests if the UFC does not immediately book his title defense for June.

Islam Makhachev missed his chance for a UFC 300 main event

It looks like the UFC had big plans for Islam Makhachev at UFC 300. But the champ had to sit this one out. Apparently, the promotion offered Makhachev a chance to make history as a two-division champion, but the timing just wasn’t right. He was offered a fight against the welterweight king, Leon Edwards.

Islam Makhachev was offered Leon Edwards for UFC 300
Islam Makhachev was offered Leon Edwards for UFC 300 (via IMDb/ Sports Illustrated)

Makhachev revealed that the timing wasn’t right for him at that moment. This was due to Ramadan being right around the corner. Training for a fight and fasting did not seem beneficial for the lightweight champion. However, Makhachev hoped that he would eventually fight Edwards sooner than later.

He even asked his manager if they could push UFC 300 back a few weeks. Obviously, the answer to that was a resounding ‘No.’ The lightweight champion chose to honor his commitment to his religious practices rather than chase a legacy fight.

Makhachev may have missed out on his chance to become a two-division king at UFC 300. However, it sounds like he’s got plenty of other tricks up his sleeve. A showdown with Dustin Poirier might be an awesome welcome for him back to the octagon. 

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