Islam Makhachev: Parents | Next Fight Time | What Time Is The Fight
Islam Makhachev is one of the most dominant figures in mixed martial arts, especially in the UFC’s lightweight division. As fans eagerly follow his career, his background, family, and upcoming fights are topics of great interest. In this article, we dive deep into Islam’s roots, his parents, and the highly anticipated next bout: who he’s fighting, when, and how to watch.
1. Early Life and Family Background
Islam Makhachev was born on October 27, 1991, in Makhachkala, the capital of the Republic of Dagestan in Russia. He belongs to the Lak ethnic group, a small indigenous people in Dagestan. His upbringing was rooted in modest means but strong values, discipline, and a connection to his cultural heritage.
He grew up in the remote village of Burshi in Dagestan. This rural background meant that life was simple, but Islam was exposed early to physical activity, martial traditions, and a community that valued strength, bravery, and perseverance.
2. Islam Makhachev’s Parents
Father
Islam’s father, Ramzan Makhachev, worked as a driver and was also involved in agriculture. He grew tomatoes and ran a small greenhouse, raising his family in a humble but hardworking environment.
Ramzan’s work ethic and dedication provided a strong foundation for Islam’s childhood. Despite financial constraints, he was able to support his son’s early involvement in sports and training. According to some sources, this background shaped Islam’s humility and grounded approach.
Mother
Islam’s mother, Zeynab Makhachev, played a key role at home. She was a housewife and also ran a small café. This café was more than a business: it was a small hub of family life, and Zeynab’s efforts contributed both economically and emotionally to the household.
Islam has mentioned in interviews that his mother’s strength and support were instrumental. Her work in running the café and managing the home gave the family stability, allowing Islam to chase his dreams in martial arts.
Siblings
Islam also has an older brother, Kurbanismail. Though not as publicly known as Islam, Kurbanismail’s presence in the family was important; having a sibling likely provided companionship and influence during Islam’s formative years.
3. Childhood, Training & Influences
From a young age, Islam was drawn to physical activity and combat sports. At just seven years old, he began taekwondo training under Seyfula Magomedov, a well-respected champion.
Later during his school years, Makhachev switched to sanda, a Chinese combat sport combining kickboxing and wrestling. He trained alongside Abubakar Nurmagomedov and even met Khabib Nurmagomedov, another Dagestani fighter, during those early training days.
Interestingly, there was a period when Islam stepped away from martial arts. When his family moved, he played soccer for two years instead of continuing with combat sports. But the pull of fighting and discipline eventually brought him back — and he resumed his training in martial arts.
The culture of Dagestan also played a role: Islam grew up in an environment where street fights among boys were common, and being tough physically was part of community life. These early experiences shaped his mentality and fighting spirit.
4. Rise in MMA
Islam Makhachev’s professional MMA journey began in regional promotions, but his real breakout came when he joined the UFC. Known for his grappling, sambo, and wrestling-based style, Islam often draws favorable comparisons to his friend and mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, though he has forged his own identity in the sport.
His style is methodical: he imposes control, uses top-level wrestling, and capitalizes on submissions. Over time, he refined his striking, making him a complete and dangerous lightweight. He climbed the ranks and eventually captured the UFC Lightweight Championship.
Makhachev’s rise was not just based on talent; his discipline, rooted in his upbringing, was a critical factor. He brings the humility of his childhood, the work ethic of his parents, and the technical skills of a high-level martial artist together in every performance.
5. Recent Career Highlights
Islam’s most recent major fight was at UFC 311, held on January 18, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. In this event, he took on Arman Tsarukyan.
According to reports, the live coverage began at 6:00 PM EST for the main card on ESPN+, with the walk to the octagon expected around 10:20 PM EST. The fight was a significant chapter in his career, reaffirming his status at the top of the lightweight division.
There was uncertainty earlier due to wildfires in Los Angeles, but the event continued as scheduled.
6. Next Fight: Details & Date
What’s Next for Makhachev?
Islam Makhachev’s next scheduled fight is the headline match of UFC 322, where he will challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the UFC Welterweight Championship. This is a big step: moving up from lightweight to welterweight is a major leap and marks a new chapter in his career.
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Event: UFC 322 – Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev
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Date: November 15, 2025
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Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York City, USA
This fight is highly anticipated because Makhachev has vacated his lightweight title to pursue the welterweight belt, aiming to become a two-division champion. Islam Makhachev next fight.
7. What Time Is the Fight?
Understanding the timing is crucial for fans, especially with different time zones.
According to available schedules:
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For UFC 322, the main card (which includes Makhachev’s fight) starts at 10:00 PM Eastern Time (ET).
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The prelims begin at 8:00 PM ET, and the early prelims start at 6:00 PM ET.
To convert to Indian Standard Time (IST):
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10:00 PM ET is approximately 8:30 AM IST the next day (depending on daylight saving and specific event schedule).
8. How to Watch / Broadcast Info
For UFC 322:
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In the U.S., the main card is expected to be available on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View (PPV).
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Other platforms may include UFC Fight Pass, depending on broadcast rights in different regions.
For viewers in India (or other regions), it’s important to check local broadcast partners, such as regional sports networks, streaming services, and PPV platforms, to confirm how to watch live. UFC often partners with local broadcasters, so the availability may vary. Islam Makhachev next fight.
9. Why This Fight Matters
1. Historic Title Ambition
By challenging for the welterweight title, Makhachev is going for a second UFC championship. If he wins, he becomes a two-division champion, a rare and elite achievement in UFC history.
2. Legacy and Evolution
Islam’s move from lightweight to welterweight is not just about bigger fights—it demonstrates his evolution as a mixed martial artist. It’s a test of whether his grappling dominance and fight IQ can translate to a heavier weight class.
3. Risk vs Reward
The risk is high: heavier opponents, possibly more power, and different dynamics. But the reward is massive: cementing his legacy, boosting his marketability, and proving himself as more than a lightweight.
4. Fan Excitement
For fans, this is a dream matchup. Makhachev has long been a dominant force in lightweight, and now he faces a new challenge. The narrative of him becoming a two-division champ adds drama, stakes, and significance. Islam Makhachev next fight.
10. FAQs
Q1: Who are Islam Makhachev’s parents?
A: His father is Ramzan Makhachev, a driver and tomato grower, and his mother is Zeynab Makhachev, who managed their household and ran a small café.
Q2: Where was Islam Makhachev born and raised?
A: He was born in Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia, and grew up in the remote village of Burshi.
Q3: Does he have siblings?
A: Yes, he has an older brother named Kurbanismail.
Q4: When is his next fight?
A: His next fight is scheduled on November 15, 2025, at UFC 322 in Madison Square Garden, New York.
Q5: Who is Islam Makhachev fighting next?
A: He will be challenging Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title.
Q6: What time does the fight start?
A: The main card is set to begin at 10:00 PM ET, which is around 8:30 AM IST on the following day (depending on exact schedule and broadcast).
Q7: Why is this fight important?
A: It’s significant because Makhachev is moving up in weight to try to become a two-division UFC champion—a milestone in any fighter’s career. Islam Makhachev next fight.
11. Conclusion
Islam Makhachev’s journey from a small village in Dagestan to the pinnacle of UFC is a testament to hard work, discipline, and belief. His parents, Ramzan and Zeynab, provided him with a humble but strong foundation. Now, as he prepares for his next big fight at UFC 322, he stands on the brink of making history by challenging for a second major title.
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