Islam Makhachev

Dagestani champion Islam Makhachev held the UFC Lightweight title throughout 2025 and is ranked pound-for-pound number one by both the UFC and major MMA media outlets. A protege of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev combines elite Sambo grappling with significantly improved striking, going 24-1 overall with title defences against Alexander Volkanovski and Dustin Poirier.