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

Islam Makhachev dueling against JackDella Maddalena. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

Ranked number one in the world pound-for-pound rankings, Islam Makhachev added a new chapter to his illustrious career by dominating Jack Della Maddalena and becoming the new welterweight champion (up to 77kg). However, winning his second belt is just one more of the great achievements of 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 do Bronx , Alexander Volkanovski , Arman Tsarukyan , and Jack Della Maddalena were all defeated 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 Volkanovski

#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 and Islam Makhachev are big names in the UFC. Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage.

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 openly talks about fights with Kamaru Usman or 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.

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