UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev was robbed during a trip to Italy, with thieves stealing his luggage containing autographed boots from Georgian soccer star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The theft also included Makhachev's passport, though it was later returned to him. Details about when and where exactly the robbery occurred remain limited in the initial report. Makhachev had apparently been gifted or obtained the boots from Kvaratskhelia, one of Europe's top soccer talents who plays for Napoli and the Georgian national team. The incident occurred while Makhachev was traveling in Italy, though the specific circumstances of the theft were not elaborated upon in the post.
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev had his luggage stolen during a recent trip to Italy, with the haul including a pair of autographed boots from Georgian soccer star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Makhachev's own passport. The passport was subsequently returned to him, though details surrounding the specific circumstances of the theft remain sparse.
Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1-0 professional record and reigns as champion in his division, representing Russia and training out of Eagles MMA. Standing five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach, the southpaw has built a reputation as one of combat sports' most complete fighters, landing significant strikes at a rate of 2.63 per minute with an impressive 58 percent striking accuracy, while also averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes. He sits at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings.
The stolen boots had been obtained from Kvaratskhelia, widely regarded as one of European football's brightest talents and a key figure for both Napoli and the Georgian national team. The autographed items made the theft particularly notable beyond the inconvenience of losing travel documents.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's passport being stolen mid-travel raised immediate logistical concerns, though it was ultimately recovered
- The Kvaratskhelia boots represented a meaningful personal item, connecting two high-profile athletes from neighboring countries in the Caucasus region
- The incident drew attention to the champion's off-octagon life and his connections to the broader European sports world
