Islam Makhachev had his luggage stolen during a trip to Italy. Among the stolen items were football boots belonging to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia that were in his baggage. His passport was also initially stolen but was later returned. The incident occurred while the UFC lightweight champion was traveling in Italy. No further details about the theft or investigation were provided in the post.
Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, had his luggage stolen during a trip to Italy, the fighter disclosed on April 12, 2026. Among the items taken were a pair of football boots belonging to Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and his own passport, though the passport was subsequently returned.
Makhachev, 34, represents Russia and trains out of Eagles MMA. He holds a professional record of 28 wins and 1 loss and sits atop the lightweight division as champion and the number-one pound-for-pound fighter in the sport. Standing five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach, the southpaw is one of the most complete fighters in the world, landing strikes at a 58 percent accuracy clip while averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes — a combination that has made him exceptionally difficult to defeat.
No further details about the circumstances of the theft or any ongoing investigation were included in the report. It is unclear how Makhachev came to be in possession of the Kvaratskhelia boots or the nature of his relationship with the Georgian footballer.
Why it matters
- The incident is a personal matter with no reported impact on Makhachev's training or upcoming schedule.
- The passport was recovered, removing what could have been a logistical complication for a traveling athlete.
- The loss of Kvaratskhelia's boots adds an unusual footnote to what is otherwise a straightforward theft report involving one of combat sports' biggest names.
