If you’ve been following the UFC lightweight division, you might have heard fans ask, “Why is Islam Makhachev not champion yet?”
It’s a fair question — after all, Islam Makhachev has dominated nearly everyone he’s faced, has the same Dagestani foundation as Khabib Nurmagomedov, and has been hyped for years as “the next champion.”
But the answer isn’t just about his skill; it’s about timing, matchmaking, and opportunity. Let’s break it down step by step.
First, Let’s Clarify — Islam Makhachev Is a UFC Champion (as of 2025)
Before we go further, it’s worth noting that as of 2025, Islam Makhachev is the reigning UFC Lightweight Champion.
He won the belt in October 2022 at UFC 280, defeating Charles Oliveira via submission to become the undisputed 155-pound champion.
Since then, he’s successfully defended his title multiple times — notably against Alexander Volkanovski twice — solidifying himself as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport.
So if you’re asking today why Islam Makhachev isn’t champion, the answer is simple:
✅ He is champion now.
However, if you’re asking why it took him so long to get there, that’s where things get interesting.
️ The Real Question: Why Did It Take So Long for Makhachev to Become Champion?
Islam Makhachev wasn’t an overnight success story.
He debuted in the UFC in 2015 and didn’t get his first title shot until seven years later — a long wait for someone so dominant. Here’s why.
1. Early Career Was Overshadowed by Khabib Nurmagomedov
When Islam joined the UFC, Khabib Nurmagomedov was already climbing toward superstardom.
They trained together, looked similar, and shared the same coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov (Khabib’s father).
As a result, Khabib got most of the attention, while Islam was viewed as “Khabib’s teammate,” not his own brand.
Even though Islam was winning, the spotlight stayed on Khabib’s title journey — and that slowed Islam’s own rise.
2. Lack of Big-Name Opponents Early On
For years, Islam struggled to land high-profile fights.
Many ranked lightweights didn’t want to face him because he was high-risk, low-reward — an elite grappler without mainstream fame.
That meant:
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He often fought unranked or mid-tier opponents,
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His wins didn’t move him up the rankings quickly,
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And casual fans didn’t notice how dominant he really was.
Without those big-name wins, the UFC had little incentive to give him an early title shot.
3. The Lightweight Division Was Stacked
The UFC lightweight division has long been one of the toughest in MMA.
During Islam’s climb, names like Conor McGregor, Tony Ferguson, Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and Charles Oliveira were all active in the title picture.
Even if Islam had the skill to beat them, he needed time — and timing — to break into that top tier.
By the time Khabib retired in 2020, Islam was still a few fights away from proving himself against ranked contenders.
4. Visa and Fight Cancellations Slowed His Momentum
Another underrated reason: visa issues and fight cancellations.
Between 2019–2020, Makhachev had multiple bouts canceled for reasons beyond his control — injuries, opponent pullouts, or travel restrictions.
These gaps killed his momentum. Each time he got close to a breakthrough fight, something went wrong, delaying his climb another six months or more.
5. His Style Isn’t Flashy (But It’s Effective)
Let’s be honest — Islam Makhachev doesn’t fight for highlight reels.
He wins with pressure, wrestling, and control, not explosive knockouts.
While hardcore fans respect that, it doesn’t always sell pay-per-views.
The UFC tends to fast-track exciting finishers or trash-talkers, and Islam isn’t either of those.
He’s humble, quiet, and focused — great for legacy, but slower for promotion.
That meant he had to earn his title shot the hard way, by dominating fight after fight until he couldn’t be denied.
6. The Transition After Khabib’s Retirement
When Khabib retired undefeated in 2020, Islam instantly became “the next in line” to represent Dagestan.
But stepping into that shadow came with pressure.
He wasn’t just fighting opponents — he was fighting comparisons to an undefeated legend.
The UFC took time to build his identity separately from Khabib’s. Only once fans began to see Islam as his own man did the promotion move forward with a title opportunity.
7. The Oliveira Fight Was His Perfect Moment
By 2022, the timing was perfect.
Charles Oliveira had cleaned out much of the top five but needed a new challenger. Islam was on a long win streak, had proven himself against top talent, and had the full support of Khabib as his coach.
At UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi, he submitted Oliveira in Round 2 to become the UFC Lightweight Champion — completing the story fans had expected for years.
Why This Journey Matters
Islam’s slow rise made him a smarter, more complete fighter.
Unlike fast-tracked prospects, he developed under pressure, learned patience, and built fight IQ that few possess.
By the time he became champion, he wasn’t just skilled — he was mentally unshakeable. That’s why his reign now looks so stable: he grew through obstacles, not shortcuts.
Final Thoughts
So, why wasn’t Islam Makhachev champion earlier?
Because he had to fight his way through timing issues, promotional challenges, and the shadow of a legend.
But those delays shaped him into the fighter he is today — one who not only carries Khabib’s legacy but has built his own dominant chapter in UFC history.
From Dagestan’s mountains to Abu Dhabi’s octagon, Islam Makhachev proved that patience and discipline eventually pay off — even if it takes years to get your crown.
