Islam Makhachev was robbed during a trip to Italy, with thieves stealing his luggage. Among the stolen items were boots belonging to footballer Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Makhachev's passport was also taken in the theft but was later returned. The incident occurred while the UFC lightweight champion was traveling in Italy. No further details about the circumstances of the robbery or recovery of other items have been provided in this report.
Islam Makhachev had an unwanted adventure during a trip to Italy after thieves stole his luggage, the UFC lightweight champion confirmed. Among the items taken were boots gifted by Georgian football star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Makhachev's passport was also stolen in the incident, though it was subsequently recovered. No other stolen items are reported to have been returned.
Makhachev, 34, is currently the dominant force in the UFC's lightweight division, holding a professional record of 28 wins and one loss. The Russian fighter, who trains out of Eagles MMA, sits at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings and has built his reputation on suffocating grappling, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes. He also brings a sharper striking game than his grappling-heavy reputation might suggest, landing 2.63 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate.
Why it matters
- The theft caused a personal disruption for one of the sport's most prominent active champions during an off-duty trip abroad
- The Kvaratskhelia boots signal Makhachev's connections in the wider world of elite sport, reflecting his high profile outside the octagon
- The recovery of his passport means no reported impact on his ability to travel and fulfill future commitments
