Islam Makhachev was robbed while traveling in Italy, with thieves stealing his luggage. Among the stolen items were boots belonging to soccer player Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The robbers also took Makhachev's passport, though it was later returned to him. The post does not provide additional details about the circumstances of the theft or whether other items were recovered. This incident occurred during what appears to have been a personal trip to Italy.
Islam Makhachev had an unwanted detour during a personal trip to Italy after thieves stole his luggage, including a pair of boots belonging to Georgian soccer star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The UFC welterweight champion also had his passport taken in the incident, though it was subsequently returned to him.
Makhachev, 34, enters this off-canvas moment as one of the sport's most dominant active fighters. The Russian southpaw, who trains out of Eagles MMA, carries a 28-1-0 record and holds the welterweight title, while also sitting atop the pound-for-pound rankings. Standing five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach, he has built his reputation on a suffocating blend of wrestling and submission grappling, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside 1.1 submission attempts in the same span. He also lands 2.63 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 58 percent, making him a threat in every phase of a fight.
The circumstances surrounding the theft remain sparse. It is unclear where in Italy the incident occurred, how the luggage was taken, or whether any items beyond the passport were recovered. The connection to Kvaratskhelia — the Napoli and France-based winger — suggests Makhachev had been in contact with the footballer at some point during the trip, though no further details about that relationship were shared.
Why it matters
- Makhachev is the reigning welterweight champion and the top pound-for-pound fighter, meaning any news involving him draws significant attention even outside competition.
- The return of his passport avoids what could have been a more serious logistical complication for an international traveler.
- The Kvaratskhelia connection highlights the growing crossover between combat sports and elite soccer circles.
