UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev had his luggage stolen during a trip to Italy, losing several personal items including football cleats belonging to Georgian soccer star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The theft also included Makhachev's passport, though it was later returned to him. The incident occurred while Makhachev was traveling in Italy, though specific details about the location or circumstances of the theft remain limited. The post does not indicate whether the stolen luggage or Kvaratskhelia's cleats were recovered beyond the passport. This represents an unfortunate personal setback for the reigning lightweight champion during what appears to have been a leisure trip.
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev ran into an unwelcome distraction during a leisure trip to Italy when his luggage was stolen, taking with it a number of personal items — among them a pair of football cleats belonging to Georgian soccer star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Makhachev's passport was also taken in the theft, though it was subsequently returned to him. It remains unclear whether the cleats or any other stolen items have been recovered.
Makhachev, 34, holds a professional record of 28-1-0 and is the reigning champion at lightweight. The Russian representative of Eagles MMA is also ranked at the top of the pound-for-pound standings. A southpaw standing five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach, he has built his dominance on a well-rounded game that features 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and a striking accuracy of 58 percent, landing 2.63 significant strikes per minute.
Why it matters
- The incident is a personal matter with no known impact on Makhachev's training or competitive schedule.
- The passport was recovered, removing the most pressing travel complication from the situation.
- The loss of Kvaratskhelia's cleats adds an unusual footnote, suggesting Makhachev has connections that cross into the world of European football.
