“Took Volk’s soul AND haircut” – MMA world goes wild as lightweight champ Islam Makhachev sports bald look

Islam Makhachev has shaved his head, revealing a bald look on his Instagram story.

“Took Volk’s soul AND haircut” – MMA world goes wild as lightweight champ Islam Makhachev sports bald look

Islam Makhachev shaves his head (Image via Imago)

Islam Makhachev has not fought this year but could return as early as June if things go to plan. In the meantime, he has donned a new look during the Ramadan period. It is something the fans never expected. The UFC lightweight champion shaving off his hair similar to former rival Alexander Volkanovski captured attention on social media.

Islam Makhachev uploaded a video on his Instagram story where he uncovers his head and reveals the bald look. This is not the first time Makhachev has rocked the hairstyle or lack thereof. He did the same thing last year and fans were equally taken aback. The Dagestani shedding his usual buzz cut for a clean shave led to fans taunting him for copying Volkanovski. The former featherweight champion has a bald head and has clashed with Makhachev for the lightweight title twice up until now.

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After becoming champion, Makhachev fought his first title defense against Volkanvski last year at UFC 284. The former featherweight champion lost via unanimous decision but came again for a rematch in October. This time Makhachev delivered a devastating head kick that knocked Volkanovski out and finished the fight three minutes into the first round.

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Makhachev was reportedly scheduled to take on Leon Edwards at the upcoming UFC 300 mega event. However, because of Ramadan, Makhachev let go of this opportunity to contend for a potential double championship.

But now he is looking to make a comeback and Makhachev’s manager already called out Dustin Poirier on social media. The champ is now expected to take on top lightweight contender Dustin Poirier this June at UFC 302 in Newark, New Jersey. Despite his willingness to fight Poirier, Makhachev doesn’t truly believe ‘Diamond’ deserves the title shot. According to him, he is contemplating taking on the veteran in June owing to the unavailability of other worthy fighters like Justin Gaethje and Charles Oliveira.

Fans react to Islam Makhachev’s latest bald look

Islam Makhachev’s Instagram story revealing his bald look had fans riled up. People shared their reactions on social media. Here are some of the reactions from X:

Islam Makhachev accepts Dustin Poirier's request for a championship bout
Islam Makhachev accepts Dustin Poirier’s request for a championship bout (via MMA News)

Fans began listing all the bald fighters in the UFC roster in the comment section. One user wrote that he confused Makhachev for Muhammad Mokaev. Meanwhile, another user explained that Muslim men are advised to shape their heads when they go to Makkah during the holy month of Ramadan. Another fan observed that all UFC fighters in the GOAT debate sport a bald look.

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