UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has never been one to rest on his accomplishments, and his latest achievement proves exactly that. The Dagestan native, already one of the most decorated martial artists on the planet, has now earned a black belt in taekwondo, adding a third martial arts discipline to an already extraordinary credentials list.
The moment was shared on Instagram by Seifullah Magomedov, a decorated taekwondo competitor with four European championship gold medals and two World Championship bronze medals to his name.
In the video, Magomedov addressed Makhachev directly, noting that the champion had started his taekwondo journey with him, before presenting him with the belt.
The caption on the post read: “Now the champion has 3 belts.”
For Makhachev, the taekwondo recognition joins an already remarkable collection of martial arts credentials. He holds a black belt in judo and has long been regarded as one of the finest sambo practitioners of his generation. That foundation, built in the famously rigorous training culture of Dagestan, helped launch him to the top of the UFC’s welterweight division.
Reaction from fans online was swift and largely enthusiastic. One follower wrote: “Now who want to check Islam black belt.”
Another added a note of playful skepticism: “Black belt? Who gave him? We have to check that moment.”
Outside the gym, Makhachev’s competitive focus remains firmly fixed on what comes next. The 28-1 champion, who claimed the 170-pound (77 kg) title with a dominant performance over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 last November, is already eyeing his return.
With three contenders circling, including Ian Machado Garry, Carlos Prates, and Michael Morales, Makhachev has made his preference clear.
“Right after here I’m going to the camp and I don’t know: August, I will be ready,” Makhachev told UFC. “A lot of contenders, but No. 1 is Ian Garry and we have still a couple more who want to take the belt, but I don’t give no one.”
