“I wouldn’t want my son to do MMA,” Amid rising popularity for combat sports, UFC champion Islam Makhachev gives reality check to Dagestan

Islam Makhachev answered to a question of whether he would let his children practice MMA. The Dagestani culture has a long line of athletes competing in wrestling and sambo.

“I wouldn’t want my son to do MMA,” Amid rising popularity for combat sports, UFC champion Islam Makhachev gives reality check to Dagestan

Islam Makhachev on why he wouldn't let his children do MMA

The UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev visited a special children’s hospital recently. He had a conversation with the kids there. One boy questioned whether Makhachev would let his children do MMA. Makhachev replied that even though the sport was popular in Russia, he wouldn’t let his son into MMA and gave reasons for the same.

Islam Makhachev said that MMA was very popular in the republic, and many people send their children to practice the sport. However, he advised them that it was very difficult to make a living out of MMA because of high competition and fewer promotions. He instead suggested they take an Olympic sport like wrestling or judo where they can shine, win a Dagestan or Russian championship, and make money early. Here is what Makhachev said:

I honestly wouldn't want my son to do MMA. You have to go through a very difficult test to reach such a level that you can provide for yor family. There are a lot of Olyumpic sport where a child can win the Dagestan Championship, Russian championship and you can already earn something. Wresting, judo are at a good level in our Republic
Islam Makhachev via Youtube – YukaHero
YouTube video

Islam Makhacehv also acknowledged the fact that children were interested in MMA. But still suggested them to take an Olympic sport. He made it to the top MMA organization, UFC, in 2015. Subsequently, he became the UFC champion of the lightweight division in 2022. He defeated the former champion Charles Olivera by an arm triangle submission to win the lightweight title.

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People in Dagestan respect Islam Makhachev for his stature. The sport became famous in Dagestan after Khabib Nurmagomedov reached the top in the UFC. Now, Makhachev continues the legacy of the Dagestan in the UFC. He recently defended his belt against Alexander Volkanovski in UFC 294.

Islam Makhachev put an end to the controversies surrounding his win over Alexander Volkanovski in the rematch

Islam Makhachev faced Alexander Volkanovski for the first time in UFC 284. He won the fight via unanimous decision. After that, there were controversies surrounding the win since many believed that Volkanovski had done enough to get the win. Part of the reason was that Volkanovski put the lightweight champion down and rained down a series of punches as the final bell rang.

Islam Makhachev finished Alexander Volkanovski (via Marka.com)

Islam Makhachev was a dominating force in the lightweight division. But the featherweight king made the lightweight champion look beatable for the first time. However, Makhacehv made a statement in the rematch by knocking out Volkanovski in the very first round. He beautifully set up a high kick to knock out the featherweight champion.

Originally, Islam Makhachev was scheduled to face Charles Olivera in UFC 294. However, the Brazilian fighter pulled out because of an injury he suffered while sparring. This led to Volkanovski to step up on short notice. After the quick win, Makhachev is looking to defend his belt against either Charles Olivera or Justin Gaethje.

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