Islam Makhachev has repeatedly drawn attention to chaotic construction issues in Dagestan, particularly in Makhachkala. He has criticized the proliferation of low-quality residential complexes built too close together and numerous unauthorized constructions. Seventeen days ago, during flooding in Dagestan, Makhachev called on regional leadership to address construction issues, stating that Makhachkala has turned into one chaotic construction site. Today he reposted geographer Dmitry Koryukhin, a school teacher in Dagestan, who shared aerial photos of Makhachkala showing what he described as an urban catastrophe. The post praises Makhachev for seeing and highlighting this problem.
UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has used his public platform to repeatedly highlight what he describes as a growing urban crisis in Dagestan, with his campaign drawing fresh attention this week after he reshared aerial imagery of the regional capital Makhachkala.
Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1-0 professional record and is the reigning welterweight champion, currently ranked number one in the pound-for-pound standings. The Dagestan native trains out of Eagles MMA and has built one of the sport's most decorated careers in recent years. Away from competition, he has increasingly spoken out on issues affecting his home region.
Seventeen days before this latest post, during a period of flooding in Dagestan, Makhachev publicly called on regional leadership to act, stating that Makhachkala had become one chaotic construction site. He directed criticism at the spread of low-quality residential buildings erected too close together, as well as a proliferation of unauthorized construction projects across the city.
On April 23, Makhachev amplified that message by reposting content from Dmitry Koryukhin, a geographer and school teacher based in Dagestan. Koryukhin shared aerial photographs of Makhachkala depicting what he characterized as an urban catastrophe, and praised Makhachev for drawing sustained attention to the problem.
Why it matters
- Makhachev is among the most recognizable public figures from Dagestan, giving his statements on local issues significant reach
- His repeated criticism suggests a deliberate effort to pressure regional authorities rather than a single off-the-cuff remark
- The involvement of a local educator and geographer lends an additional layer of civic weight to the concern being raised
