Islam Makhachev has repeatedly drawn attention to major construction issues in Dagestan, particularly what he describes as "chaotic building sites." The problems include new, low-quality residential complexes built too close together, numerous unauthorized constructions, and general urban planning failures. Seventeen days ago, during flooding in Dagestan, Makhachev appealed to regional leadership to address construction issues, stating that "Makhkachkala has turned into one chaotic construction site." Recently, he reposted content from geographer and schoolteacher Dmitry Koryukhin, who provided aerial photographs of Makhachkala showcasing what the post describes as an "urban catastrophe." The post praises Makhachev for using his platform to highlight these regional issues.
UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has stepped beyond the cage to voice concern over what he characterizes as a mounting urban planning crisis in his home republic of Dagestan, Russia.
Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1 record and is the reigning welterweight champion, widely regarded as one of the sport's premier pound-for-pound talents. Fighting out of Eagles MMA and representing Russia, he has built his reputation on an elite all-around game, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside a striking accuracy of 58 percent. Away from competition, he has increasingly used his public profile to highlight conditions in his home region.
The champion has made repeated appeals regarding what he describes as rampant unauthorized construction and poorly planned residential developments in Dagestan's capital, Makhachkala. Seventeen days before this report, amid flooding in the region, Makhachev addressed local leadership directly, stating that Makhachkala had become one chaotic construction site. He pointed specifically to low-quality apartment complexes built in excessive density and a broader failure of urban governance.
His most recent action on the issue involved reposting content from Dmitry Koryukhin, a geographer and schoolteacher, who shared aerial photographs of Makhachkala illustrating what the post characterizes as an urban catastrophe. The repost drew further attention to Makhachev's efforts, with Koryukhin's commentary praising the fighter for leveraging his platform in service of regional accountability.
Why it matters
- Makhachev is among the most prominent athletes to emerge from Dagestan, giving his public statements significant reach inside and outside Russia.
- His repeated appeals suggest the construction concerns have not been adequately addressed by regional authorities.
- The use of aerial photography adds a visual dimension that amplifies the criticism beyond social media commentary alone.
