Islam Makhachev revealed on social media that he was robbed while visiting Italy. The incident involved theft of his luggage, which included boots belonging to footballer Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. His passport was also stolen but was later returned to him. Makhachev did not provide extensive details about the circumstances of the robbery or when exactly it occurred.
UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev took to social media to reveal he was robbed during a visit to Italy, disclosing that thieves stole his luggage and, with it, a pair of boots belonging to Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Makhachev's passport was also taken in the incident, though he subsequently confirmed it had been returned to him. The champion did not share detailed circumstances surrounding the theft or specify exactly when it took place.
Makhachev, 34, enters this unwanted news cycle as one of the sport's most dominant active fighters. The Russian southpaw, who trains out of Eagles MMA, holds a 28-1-0 professional record and currently holds the welterweight title while sitting atop the pound-for-pound rankings. Standing five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach, he has built his reputation on suffocating grappling — averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes — while also posting a striking accuracy of 58 percent and 2.63 significant strikes landed per minute, numbers that underline how complete a fighter he has become.
Why it matters
- Makhachev is the reigning welterweight champion and the number-one pound-for-pound fighter, meaning any off-camp incident draws immediate attention from across the division.
- The theft of his passport raised brief concerns over potential travel disruptions, though he confirmed it was recovered.
- The involvement of a high-profile football item belonging to Kvaratskhelia adds an unusual cross-sport dimension to the story.
