UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is scheduled to defend his title against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311. In anticipation of the fight, Makhachev has participated in several interviews with prominent figures in the UFC community. Most recently, former champion Daniel Cormier spoke with Islam Makhachev, and they discussed their families matters.
A few weeks ago, the UFC lightweight champion appeared on Demetrious Johnson’s podcast. During the episode, Islam Makhachev discussed leaving his newborn son and family to prepare for his upcoming UFC fight. Later, on his YouTube channel, Daniel Cormier revisited Makhachev’s conversation with Johnson. Cormier specifically asked the Dagestani fighter if he was satisfied with the children he has now.
No, I want seven (children)… Some will do Judo, sambo, wrestling, maybe some will do MMA. Now I have two boys… Big family is good man. I have built new house, a couple of years ago…
Islam Makhachev via Daniel Cormier’s YouTube channel
Daniel Cormier was surprised to learn that Makhachev wanted to have seven children. However, the UFC lightweight champion had his reasons, as he prefers large families. Cormier found it amusing, and it was just one of the many topics they discussed during the interview. Additionally, Cormier and Makhachev shared a laugh about the recent airline incident involving their friend Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Wow! Islam Makhachev isn’t even half way through with having kids! He wants 7 kids – “some will do sambo, some judo, some MMA.”👇
He built a new house where he lives with his fam, his parents and his grandma.🥹 But it’s not as big as Khabib Nurmagomedov’s (“a residence!”).… pic.twitter.com/gY35r6XzCD
— PAM (@ParamPam1990) January 16, 2025
When discussing his family, Makhachev is a father of three children. His eldest is a daughter, followed by two sons. The UFC lightweight champion tends to keep his personal life private, which means there is limited information available about his wife and children. However, there is one occasion where Makhachev did share insights about his children publicly.
Islam Makhachev is not ready to become the ‘role model’ of his children
UFC champions hold a prominent status as public figures, significantly influencing both fans and aspiring fighters. Over the years, iconic names have emerged from the octagon, with fighters like Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov serving as powerful sources of inspiration for many. However, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, has drawn a contradictory opinion on the matter.
Islam Makhachev posing with his family and friends before his UFC 311 fight (Image via X/@ufc)Ahead of his fight against Arman Tsarukyan, Makhachev faced a barrage of intriguing questions during a media day interview. Notably, one question asked whether the UFC lightweight champion would consider Tsarukyan—a hardworking fighter from a wealthy background—as a role model for his children. In response, Makhachev shared his thoughts on who he believes should serve as role models for his kids.
I won’t even bring myself as an example to my children. Fighters aren’t the best of people whom one should take as role models. Rather, there are much better people who lived before us, and I think they’re the ones who’ll be examples for them.
Islam Makhachev via UFC 311 media day interview
Look at the humility and wisdom of Islam Makhachev despite the success and fame he’s achieved in his sport.
Question: “Islam, will you bring Arman as an example to your kids—someone who grew up rich yet a hard worker who already achieved lots in sport?”
Islam: “I won’t even… pic.twitter.com/esR8JFOiHG
— Muradische 🇧🇳 (@PenofthePaladin) January 15, 2025
Surprisingly, Makhachev does not want to be a role model for his children. He shared his reasons for this belief, stating that there are many better people in the world to look up to as role models. Moreover, the UFC lightweight champion emphasized that fighters, in particular, may not be suitable role models for anyone.
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