Islam Makhachev makes history and achieves an impressive feat with recent victories; understand why.

Islam makhachev In a duel against JackDella Maddalena. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

Ranked first in the world pound-for-pound rankings, Islam makhachev added a new chapter to his illustrious career by dominating Jack Della Maddalena and become the new welterweight champion (up to 77kg). However, winning the second belt is just one more of the great achievements accomplished by the Russian, who overcame the shadow of Khabib Nurmagomedov and established himself as one of the most successful athletes of the Dagestan Clan.

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In addition to rightfully holding the top spot in the world's pound-for-pound rankings, the Russian also boasts very dominant and memorable victories against four other fighters who are part of the world's top 15. Charles of the Bronx, Alexander Volkanovsky, Arman Tsarukyan e Jack Della MaddalenaAll of them were surpassed by Makhachev, who in turn was only defeated by Adriano Martins in 2015.

Islam makhachev has four wins over top-15 pound-for-pound fighters:

#7 Alexander Volkanovsky

#11 Jack Della Maddalena

#13 Arman Tsarukyan

#14 Charles Oliveira pic.twitter.com/kWxTyDbMho

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) November 26, 2025

Makhachev could add another name to the cartel.

Ilia Topuria e Islam makhachev These are big names in the UFC. Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage.

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Despite having won the belt in one of the most balanced divisions today, Makhachev's first title defense may not be against someone ranked in the category. Although he speaks openly about matchups with... Kamaru Usman ou Carlos Prates, one of the most talked-about names to face the Russian is Ilia Topuria, former featherweight champion (up to 65,7 kg) who now reigns in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg), a former territory of the Dagestani himself.

If he manages to end the Georgian/Spanish fighter's unbeaten run, Makhachev would add the second-ranked pound-for-pound fighter to his record.