UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev was robbed during a trip to Italy. Thieves stole his luggage, which contained boots belonging to soccer player Khvicha Kvaratskhelia among other items. Makhachev's passport was also taken during the theft but was later returned. The incident occurred while the champion was traveling, though specific details about the location or circumstances of the robbery were not provided. The theft of the Kvaratskhelia boots suggests Makhachev had received them as a gift or souvenir from the Georgian soccer star.
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev had an eventful trip to Italy recently, and not for reasons anyone would want — the Russian star was robbed, losing luggage that contained personal items as well as a pair of boots belonging to Georgian soccer standout Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Makhachev's passport was also taken during the theft, though it was subsequently returned. Specific details about the precise location or circumstances of the incident have not been made public. The presence of Kvaratskhelia's boots among the stolen items suggests Makhachev had received them as a gift or personal memento from the PSG winger at some point prior to the trip.
Makhachev, 34, carries a 28-1 record and is currently the reigning champion at lightweight, where he also holds the pound-for-pound top ranking. The Dagestan-born fighter, who trains with Eagles MMA, is widely regarded as one of the most complete fighters in the sport. Standing five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach, he operates out of a southpaw stance and blends elite grappling — averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes — with sharper-than-expected striking, landing at a 58 percent accuracy rate and averaging 2.63 significant strikes per minute.
Why it matters
- Makhachev is the sport's top pound-for-pound fighter, making any news surrounding him relevant to the broader MMA landscape
- The incident is social in nature and carries no known impact on his upcoming competitive schedule
- The involvement of Kvaratskhelia's boots adds an unusual cross-sport footnote to the story
