Thieves in Italy Mess with Wrong Person as Islam Makhachev Loses Precious Soccer Gift

Despite no physical danger, UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev lost his belongings during a trip to Italy.

Thieves in Italy Mess with Wrong Person as Islam Makhachev Loses Precious Soccer Gift

Islam Makhachev (via Yahoo Sports)

In Short
  • Islam Makhachev was robbed in Italy, losing a soccer boot gifted by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
  • Despite the theft, Makhachev remained unbothered as his passport and wallet were not taken.
  • A potential superfight between Makhachev and Ilia Topuria remains uncertain amid ongoing UFC negotiations.

Often times, sports star get robbed during a trip or when they are away from their house. It is very common for this to happen to soccer players in Europe. However, UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev recently faced the same situation during his trip to Italy.

With no major stuff happening after UFC 327 last night in Miami, Makhachev took to Instagram to reveal what had happened. Some initially thought that he was robbed on sight, but that was not the case. In fact, one of his belongings that was stolen was a soccer boot given to him by Paris Saint Germain star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

The most valuable thing were these shoes that @kvara7 gifted me Thieves, if you don’t like football, please return it back. No need to worry. It’s all good. I have my praying carpet that’s all that matters.

Islam Makhachev via Instagram

Luckily for the UFC champion, he was not too upset. The thieves didn’t take his passport, wallet and other belongings. In fact, Makhachev was happy that his praying mat was left behind. The Dagestani star has not competed in the octagon since last November. Nevertheless, he has travelled around the world to watch sporting events, with soccer being one of his favorite sport.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia giving his boots to Islam Makhachev adds another interesting dynamic as the PSG winger is very close with lightweight champion Ilia Topuria. They are two of the biggest sport stars from the nation of Georgia, but there is a Georgia vs Dagestan rivalry brewing in the UFC.

Ilia Topuria has set his eyes on facing Makhachev since the beginning of last year. However, the Dagestani star moved to the welterweight division and defeated then-champion Jack Della Maddalena with his wrestling control. Topuria now reigns as the undisputed champion in the lightweight division, which was ruled by Makhachev from 2022-25.

Topuria and Makhachev are two of the biggest active stars in the UFC, and a superfight between them is guaranteed fireworks for the promotion and its fans. At the same time, some believe that the window may have closed and the superfight will likely never happen.

Joe Rogan really wanted Ilia Topuria vs Islam Makhachev to happen

Before the announcement of the UFC White House card, the promotion tried to negotiate a superfight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. According to the management team of the Georgian-Spanish fighter, the offer to fight Makhachev was very low. Not wanting pay a lot of money, the promotion pivoted to Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje to headline the historic card.

Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria dream fight soon
Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria dream fight hasn’t happened yet (via X)

After the fight didn’t happen, both sides blamed each other. The welterweight champion gave his side of the story, saying that he accepted the bout. However, the UFC made the decision to go ahead with Gaethje as the American representative to headline the card. Moreover, Dana White came out and said that the Dagestani star was nursing a hand injury.

UFC commentator Joe Rogan recently spoke about the two champions in depth on his podcast. As usual, Rogan only had huge praise to issue to both fighters.

Ilia is another animal… he’s on another level. He’s super well-rounded and people haven’t really even seen that yet. He is on a level where I can’t wait to see his next fights, like when he fights, what is he gonna do now. I think he is getting better. There’s a documentary on YouTube where they’re talking about how they break down all their fight camps… these dudes are on another level. (Topuria vs Makhachev) would be a fight, I would really like it to happen at 55 (155 pounds).

Joe Rogan via his podcast

Once Topuria defeats Gaethje, he will likely move on to face Arman Tsarukyan in a competitive battle. Meanwhile, there are plenty of contenders in the welterweight division to face Makhachev. As such, both fighters may retire never facing each other like the Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Tony Ferguson rivalry.

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