Islam Makhachev has once again drawn attention to the chaotic construction situation in Dagestan, particularly in Makhachkala. Seventeen days ago, during ongoing flooding in the region, Makhachev appealed to regional leadership to address the construction crisis, stating that Makhachkala has turned into one massive chaotic building site. Today he reposted content from geographer Dmitry Koryukhin, a school teacher in Dagestan who was named Teacher of the Year in 2025, showing aerial photographs that reveal the urban planning disaster. The post notes that low-quality residential complexes are being built closely together, along with numerous unauthorized construction projects throughout the region.
Islam Makhachev, the reigning welterweight champion and pound-for-pound number one, has used his public platform to spotlight a deepening urban planning crisis in Dagestan, with flooding in the region bringing conditions to a head.
Makhachev, 34, carries a professional record of 28-1 and represents Russia under the Eagles MMA banner. Outside of competition, he has increasingly spoken out on issues affecting his home region. Seventeen days before this latest post, amid active flooding in Dagestan, he addressed regional leadership directly, describing Makhachkala as having become one massive chaotic building site.
In his most recent action on the matter, Makhachev reposted content from Dmitry Koryukhin, a Dagestani geography teacher who was named Teacher of the Year in 2025. Koryukhin's post featured aerial photographs illustrating what is described as an urban planning disaster across the region. The images and accompanying commentary highlight low-quality residential complexes being constructed in close proximity to one another, alongside a significant number of unauthorized building projects spread throughout Dagestan.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's profile as the sport's top pound-for-pound fighter gives the issue considerable reach beyond the region
- The flooding has added urgency to concerns about unregulated construction and inadequate infrastructure
- His repeated public appeals suggest the regional leadership has not yet responded to his satisfaction
- The involvement of a recognized educator lends additional credibility to the documented concerns
