Islam Makhachev takes on a new challenge away from his career as a dominant UFC champion

TalkingPoints UFC UFC Events Schedule Results UFC 331 UFC 332 UFC 333 Boxing MMA Features Exclusives Throwbacks Follow us on '. Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC UFC Home Islam Makhachev Islam Makhachev takes on a new challenge away from his career as a dominant UFC champion Harvey Leonard Sat 3 October 2026 12:00 Follow us on Google Discover Islam Makhachev now has more than just his title reign to focus on.

The UFC welterweight champion is over a month removed from his first defense at 170 pounds, having moved up in 2025 following a lengthy reign as lightweight king.

After becoming the eleventh two-division champ in UFC history by beating Jack Della Maddalena last November, Makhachev defeated Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 this past August to further stake his claim to GOAT status.