On November 15, Islam Makhachev will move up to challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title at UFC 322. Yet beyond the bright lights and roaring crowds, the Dagestani champion’s story begins in a quiet village, where discipline and humility were family values, not fight strategies.

Behind Makhachev’s rise lies a family that shaped him, from his hardworking father, Ramzan, to his devoted mother, who still pleads with her son to hang up the gloves. So, who are the people behind one of the most dominant athletes in combat sports today?

Who Are Islam Makhachev’s Parents?

Islam Makhachev grew up in the remote village of Burshi in Dagestan, where community meant survival and hard work was a way of life. His father, Ramzan, worked as a driver and grew tomatoes in his own greenhouse. His mother, meanwhile, ran a small café while taking care of the household.

The Dagestani would recount his first experiences of carrying heavy boxes of vegetables for his father, who used to grow tomatoes, as his first experience working. Interestingly, Makhachev has revealed that while his mother is opposed to his fighting career as she fears for her son’s safety, his father is a big supporter and watches all of his fights. In addition, the lightweight champion has an older brother, Kurbanismail Makhachev.

Islam Makhachev defeated Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 to become the lightweight champion, two years after Khabib Nurmagomedov had retired at UFC 254 and vacated his title. After that, the 34-year-old defended his crown 4 more times, breaking the record for most consecutive title defenses in the division. And it turns out, just like ‘The Eagle’s mother, his mother, too didn’t want her son to continue fighting and tried to talk him into retirement after he became champion.

“My mother doesn’t watch fights, not just my fights, fights in general. She doesn’t like seeing people hit each other. When I came home there were a lot of people there. [My mother] said, ‘You’re a champion now. Wrap it up. Khabib listened to his mother. When will you listen to yours?’” he said.

However, since his father “is more powerful” as far as his family dynamics go, and is on board with his MMA career, he is determined to continue his martial arts journey. But one name often tied to Islam’s rise isn’t a family member by blood, its Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Is Islam Related to Khabib Nurmagomedov by Blood?

Islam Makhachev is proving to be the true successor to Khabib Nurmagomedov in the UFC. The dynamic duo have been very good friends since their days of running around the streets of their town, getting into fights as young teens in the rugged landscapes of Dagestan. Both trained under Khabib’s father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov and were with each other throughout their martial arts journey until ‘The Eagle’s retirement.

While the two are not related, their bond is like brothers, with Khabib’s father considering him a son. The two had virtually been inseparable since their childhood, playing together and training under Abdulmanap and that relationship would become the cornerstone of Makhachev’s success.

How Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov Became a Father Figure to Islam Makhachev

When Islam Makhachev first trained under Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, he was just another determined kid from Dagestan. But under Abdulmanap’s watchful eye, that determination was refined into mastery. He began taekwondo at age seven under champion Seyfula Magomedov, before experimenting with sanda and freestyle wrestling. Street fights were part of daily life in his community, a cultural proving ground where toughness was earned, not taught.

Yet, everything changed when he crossed paths with Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, the father of his schoolmate Khabib. Seeing what Abdulmanap had built, and learning that Khabib was already a professional fighter, inspired Makhachev to trade the streets for structured discipline. Under Abdulmanap’s mentorship, he found both purpose and guidance.

While studying physical education at Dagestan State University, he balanced work as a security guard, with a boss who let him train during shifts, a testament to how deeply his community believed in his potential. Now, as Islam Makhachev prepares for UFC 322, his journey stands as a tribute to those who shaped him, parents who taught resilience, a brother who sacrificed, and a coach who guided him like a father.