Islam Makhachev has repeatedly drawn attention to what he calls the "chaotic construction" problem in Dagestan, particularly in Makhachkala. He criticizes the low-quality residential complexes built tightly together and the numerous unauthorized constructions plaguing the region. Seventeen days ago, during flooding in Dagestan, Makhachev appealed to regional leadership to address the construction issues, stating that Makhachkala has turned into one massive chaotic construction site. Recently, he reposted content from geographer Dmitry Koryukhin, a school teacher in Dagestan, who shared aerial photographs of Makhachkala showing what was described as an urban catastrophe. The post praises Makhachev for recognizing and highlighting this regional problem.
UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has used his public platform to repeatedly draw attention to what he describes as a "chaotic construction" crisis in Dagestan, with the regional capital Makhachkala at the center of his concerns.
Makhachev, who holds a 28-1-0 record and stands as the top pound-for-pound fighter in the sport, has spoken out against the proliferation of low-quality residential complexes built in dangerously close proximity to one another, as well as widespread unauthorized construction across the region. The 34-year-old Russian champion, who trains out of Eagles MMA, made a direct appeal to regional leadership seventeen days before this report, following flooding in Dagestan, stating that Makhachkala had effectively become one massive unregulated construction site.
Most recently, Makhachev amplified the issue by reposting content from Dmitry Koryukhin, a Dagestani school teacher and geographer, who shared aerial photographs of Makhachkala illustrating what was characterized as an urban catastrophe. Koryukhin's post acknowledged Makhachev for recognizing and elevating this regional concern.
Why it matters
- Makhachev is among the most prominent public figures to emerge from Dagestan, giving his advocacy significant reach both domestically and internationally.
- His repeated focus on the issue, including during the flooding crisis, signals a sustained campaign rather than a one-off comment.
- The repost of Koryukhin's aerial imagery suggests Makhachev is actively seeking to build a broader coalition of voices around the problem.
- The story reflects a growing trend of elite athletes in Russia using their profiles to address local civic and environmental concerns.
