Islam Makhachev: More Than Khabib’s Cousin — A Champion Who Inspires Everyone

 When people hear the name Islam Makhachev, many still think of him as “Khabib’s brother” or “Khabib’s student.” But that tag doesn’t define him anymore. Islam has already proved that he stands as one of the best fighters in the world — not because of his last name, not because of his religion, but because of his skills, discipline, and heart.

Today, Islam is a global athlete. And what I love the most is this: it doesn’t matter where you come from, which country you belong to, or what religion you follow — you can still look up to him. Sports don’t limit admiration. Sports unite people.

Islam Makhachev is a perfect example of that.

A Fighter Who Built His Own Identity

Yes, Islam trained with Khabib. Yes, they’re incredibly close. But inside the Octagon, Islam has created his own path.

His striking has improved massively.

His grappling is world-class.

His fight IQ is smart and calculated.

He doesn’t just win — he dominates. Look at his fights with Charles Oliveira or Alexander Volkanovski. Those performances showed that Islam isn’t “the next Khabib.” He’s Islam Makhachev — a champion with his own style.

He’s Not Just a Fighter — He’s Naturally Funny and Kind

One thing that surprised me the most is how funny Islam is outside the cage.

I’ve seen so many videos of him joking with Khabib, laughing with the team, teasing DC, and meeting fans with humility. He has this calm, soft-spoken vibe, but when he makes jokes, they hit perfectly.

And the way he always invites people to visit Dagestan?

It’s wholesome.

He genuinely wants people to see his home, his culture, his mountains, his food.

That’s what makes him more likable — he’s real.

A Champion Who Represents Possibility

Sometimes people say:

• “He’s good because he’s from Dagestan.”
• “He’s famous because of Khabib.”
• “He’s loved only by Muslim fans.”

But the truth is different.

Islam Makhachev shows that hard work doesn’t care about your religion, your passport, or your language.

If you’re talented and you put in the work, the world will notice you.

Kids from India, Brazil, USA, Thailand, Philippines — everyone looks up to him now. Not because of where he is from, but because he inspires them to push harder.

The Fight I Want More Than Anything: Islam vs Ilia Topuria

I really hope we get this fight someday.

Ilia is explosive, unbeaten, confident, and very skilled.

Islam is technical, calm, strategic, and dominant.

This matchup will break the internet.

Ilia always says he wants the best. Islam is the best right now. If they meet, it’s going to be insane — a fight where both have something special to prove.

Final Thoughts

Islam Makhachev is not limited by labels like “Khabib’s cousin” or “Dagestani champion” or “Muslim fighter.”

He is one of the top athletes of this generation, and he has earned that place with every punch, every takedown, and every training session.

No matter who you are, you can be inspired by him.

Sports don’t divide us — they bring us together.

And Islam is the perfect example of that.