MMA fans voiced their appreciation for the reigning UFC Lightweight Champ, Islam Makhachev, after witnessing one of his recent considerate acts.
Makhachev helped one of his 16-year-old cancer-infected fans create a memory for a lifetime.
Islam Makhachev Motivated His Cancer-Battling Fan To Fight and Live
The MMA community has been lauding Islam Makhachev for his incredible in-octagon skills for several years now. Makhachev currently holds the record for the most successful title defenses at lightweight (4), along with occupying the no. 1 spot on UFC’s official list of top pound-for-pound fighters. The Dagestani has turned several naysayers into his fans with his stupendous performances.
Despite being a killer inside the Octagon, Makhachev packs a thoroughly generous nature. Most of his UFC fights have ended on a respectful note. The 33-year-old also maintains his character during the buildup to his fights by never really crossing the line to diss his rivals.
A recent X update from @Home_of_Fight highlighted a report from GTKR Dagestan, which showcased that Makhachev also has a soft spot in his heart for the less fortunate. It highlighted how the Dagestani made a 16-year-old cancer patient’s dream come true.
The report mentioned that the cancer patient, Rabazan, also hails from Dagestan. Makhachev helped Rabazan create a memory for his lifetime by showing up at a recent charity event he visited. Rabazan later stated that the meetup provided him with “a motivation and an incentive” to help him in the fight against cancer.
The 16-year-old also mentioned that Makhachev’s “determined” nature and “interesting” fighting techniques made him a fan. He said, “I like him because he is a determined person. He has interesting techniques.”
🥹 Islam Makhachev visited a 16-year-old boy who is battling cancer who is a huge fan of the lightweight champion.
(via GTKR Dagestan) pic.twitter.com/79Cv6ELz7B
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) May 3, 2025
Several MMA fans appreciated Makhachev’s wholesome act of giving the cancer patient a few treasured moments. One such comment read, “A genuine champion of humanity.”
A genuine champion of humanity
— The Ghuroba (@johar2967) May 4, 2025
Another one penned, “Best representative of the sport of MMA.”
Best representative of the sport of MMA
— Sean Gayland (@expertmma97) May 3, 2025
One more fan stated, “Best champion of all time all things considered.”
A fourth user penned, “Number 1 for a reason 🙌”
The reigning UFC lightweight king also shared a few words of wisdom with Rabazan and several other kids at the event, in addition to signing autographs for them. The 33-year-old told Rabazan and the other kids about how the “will to win” and putting in “efforts” in the right direction eventually lead an individual to “success”.
Makhachev’s journey to the UFC lightweight championship testifies to the formula of “success” he mentioned. He has spent years putting in efforts to be the best, which is why he is arguably one of the best fighters in the sport’s history.