Islam Makhachev was robbed during a trip to Italy, with thieves stealing his luggage. Among the stolen items were football boots belonging to Georgian soccer star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The thieves also took Makhachev's passport, though it was later returned. Details about when and where exactly the robbery occurred were limited in the initial report. The incident marks an unfortunate turn during what appeared to be a leisure trip for the UFC lightweight champion. No information was provided about whether authorities were investigating or if other valuables were taken.
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev had an unwelcome experience during a recent leisure trip to Italy, where thieves stole his luggage and passport, according to reports published April 12, 2026.
Among the items taken were a pair of football boots belonging to Georgian soccer star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, suggesting Makhachev had obtained the boots as a personal memento or gift. His passport was also stolen but was subsequently returned, offering at least a partial resolution to the incident. Precise details regarding the location and timing of the theft remained limited in initial reporting.
Makhachev, 34, represents Russia and trains out of Eagles MMA. The southpaw holds a 28-1-0 professional record and currently sits atop the lightweight division as champion, with a pound-for-pound ranking that reflects his status as one of the sport's elite fighters. Standing five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach, he is known for a technically refined, grappling-heavy style — averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes — while also posting a striking accuracy of 58 percent, among the highest in the division.
Why it matters
- The theft of Makhachev's passport temporarily raised the prospect of travel disruption for a reigning world champion
- The Kvaratskhelia boots highlight Makhachev's connection to the broader sporting world in the Caucasus region
- The passport's recovery limits the practical fallout from the incident, though the stolen luggage remains unaccounted for
