Olympic champions Tazhudinov and Zhamalov train with Islam Makhachev

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has been spotted training alongside Olympic wrestling gold medalists Ahmed Tazhudinov and Razambek Zhamalov at a camp in Kislovodsk, Russia, ahead of what figures to be a busy period for the 34-year-old champion.

Makhachev, who competes out of Eagles MMA, holds a 28-1-0 record and sits atop both the lightweight division and the pound-for-pound rankings. The Russian southpaw has built his dominance on an elite grappling foundation, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes while landing strikes at a remarkable 58 percent accuracy rate. He also averages 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, underlining the constant threat he poses whenever a fight hits the mat.

Kislovodsk has long been a favored destination for high-level combat sports athletes from the region, offering altitude and facilities that attract elite competitors during intensive camp periods. Tazhudinov and Zhamalov, both Olympic wrestling champions, bring world-class grappling credentials to the mats alongside Makhachev, making the session a notable gathering of elite talent.

Why it matters

• Makhachev sharpening his wrestling in camp with Olympic-level partners speaks directly to the grappling foundation that has defined his championship reign.
• Training alongside decorated Olympic champions suggests a continued emphasis on staying ahead of the field in the area where he is already considered among the best in MMA.
• The camp underlines the depth of combat sports infrastructure in the region, which continues to produce and support world-class fighters and wrestlers.