When Did Islam Makhachev Start His UFC Career?

Every UFC fan today knows Islam Makhachev as the calm, calculated, and almost unbeatable lightweight champion from Dagestan. But few remember how his journey started — when he was just another prospect following in Khabib Nurmagomedov’s footsteps.

So, when did Islam Makhachev start his UFC career?
He made his official debut in May 2015, and from that day on, it was clear that a new Dagestani storm had arrived.

This article breaks down Makhachev’s early days in the UFC, how he developed his reputation as a future champion, and the milestones that turned him from a quiet newcomer into one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.

From Dagestan to the World: The Beginning

Before stepping into the UFC, Islam Makhachev was already a highly accomplished fighter on the Russian circuit.
He trained under Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Khabib’s legendary father, in the mountains of Dagestan, where wrestling and combat sambo are part of daily life.

He made a name for himself competing in M-1 Global, one of Russia’s top MMA promotions. There, he built a strong record and showcased the same smothering grappling that would later define his UFC career.

By early 2015, the UFC had already seen what Khabib could do. Scouts and fans began whispering about another Dagestani prodigy — one who trained with Khabib daily, but had his own style and composure.
That man was Islam Makhachev.

️ Islam Makhachev’s UFC Debut — May 23, 2015

Islam Makhachev made his UFC debut at UFC 187 on May 23, 2015, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

• Opponent: Leo Kuntz

• Result: Makhachev won via second-round submission (rear-naked choke)

• Event: UFC 187: Johnson vs. Cormier

It was the perfect debut — clean, dominant, and technical.
Islam controlled the fight from start to finish, using relentless grappling pressure and eventually forcing the tap.

For those who had been watching Khabib rise, it felt like déjà vu: another Dagestani wrestler with unshakable focus and world-class control had entered the octagon.

That night marked the beginning of Islam Makhachev’s UFC journey, and it set the tone for everything that followed.

⚡ Early Hurdles: The Only Loss of His Career

A few months after his impressive debut, Islam faced Adriano Martins at UFC 192 in October 2015.

This fight didn’t go his way — Martins landed a perfectly timed counter punch in the first round, handing Makhachev his first (and only) professional loss.

It was a rare sight — and a valuable lesson.
Instead of making excuses, Islam went back home to Dagestan, analyzed the mistake, and rebuilt his game.

From that moment, he tightened his striking defense, improved his setups, and became far more patient in exchanges.
That single loss became the turning point of his career — one that made him sharper, calmer, and more complete.

‍♂️ The Climb Through the Lightweight Division (2016–2020)

Between 2016 and 2020, Islam Makhachev slowly climbed the UFC lightweight rankings — quietly but effectively.
He wasn’t loud, he wasn’t flashy — but he was efficient.

Key fights during this rise included:

• Chris Wade – A dominant decision win showing control and composure.

• Nik Lentz – Another one-sided performance with takedowns and control.

• Arman Tsarukyan (2019) – A breakout performance where both men showcased elite grappling. Islam won by unanimous decision, earning respect from fans and analysts.

Throughout this stretch, Makhachev trained between Dagestan, Abu Dhabi, and American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) in California — the same camp that shaped Khabib Nurmagomedov, Daniel Cormier, and Cain Velasquez.

Each fight showed evolution — better striking, smoother transitions, and elite fight IQ.

The Khabib Connection and Legacy Pressure

After Khabib’s retirement in 2020, Islam became the natural successor of the Dagestani fighting legacy.
Khabib publicly said:

“Islam Makhachev is the next lightweight champion. He’s better than me in many areas.”

That endorsement wasn’t just talk — it became a prophecy.
Khabib began coaching Islam full-time, guiding his camps, shaping his strategy, and helping him handle the pressure of being the “next Dagestani king.”

Makhachev didn’t take that responsibility lightly — he embraced it with humility and focus.

The Championship Era (2022–2025)

After years of steady progress, Islam finally got his title shot against Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 in October 2022.
It was the fight that defined his career.

He dominated Oliveira with textbook precision — taking him down, controlling him, and finishing the fight with an arm-triangle choke in the second round.

That victory made Islam Makhachev the UFC Lightweight Champion — exactly seven years after his debut.

From that point onward, he defended his title multiple times, including two victories over Alexander Volkanovski, proving that his style could beat even the most technical and well-rounded fighters in the world.

By 2025, Makhachev was widely recognized as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in MMA, carrying on Khabib’s legacy while carving out his own identity.

Timeline Summary of Islam Makhachev’s UFC Journey

Final Thoughts

So, when did Islam Makhachev start his UFC career?
He made his debut on May 23, 2015, at UFC 187 — a quiet start that led to a decade of dominance.

From a humble Dagestani wrestler to the face of modern MMA, Makhachev’s journey shows that patience, discipline, and faith can outlast hype and noise.

He didn’t just follow in Khabib’s footsteps — he built his own path, one fight at a time, until the student became a champion.