Islam Makhachev is currently the UFC lightweight champion and represents the renowned fighters from Dagestan. He is one of the most popular athletes in the promotion. In addition to his impressive fighting achievements, the Dagestani fighter is also involved in various activities outside of MMA. Recently, Islam Makhachev took a step into the world of baseball.
Dagestani fighters have established a strong reputation as outstanding athletes. Over the years, the UFC community has witnessed their progress in various major sports. Notably, Makhachev has also tried his hands at gymnastics. However, it was a recent baseball swinging practice session that truly captured everyone’s attention.
Makhachev is set to defend his title for the fourth time. This time, the champion will fight against the #1 ranked UFC lightweight fighter, Arman Tsarukyan. However, in the weeks leading up to their fight, the Dagestani fighter appears to be enjoying some time in the snow-capped mountains of Utah. Additionally, Makhachev has been seen taking a few swings with a baseball bat.
⚾️Islam Makhachev tries his hand at baseball.
🎥 IG seifulla_magomedovna▫️ pic.twitter.com/eadTbgoxdp
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) January 5, 2025
Interestingly, Makhachev has developed a keen interest in baseball. Over the years, the UFC lightweight champion has attended numerous high-profile MLB games, showcasing his passion for the sport. As such, the Dagestani fighter even shared a captivating photo of himself at a bustling baseball stadium in New York City, capturing the vibrant atmosphere and excitement of the game.
Fight fans react to Islam Makhachev trying his hands in baseball
Throughout the years, numerous fighters, including the talented Islam Makhachev, have ventured into the world of baseball. As such, with that, they tried to showcase their athletic versatility. Among them, Conor McGregor and Paulo Costa stand out as two notable UFC stars whose forays into this sport garnered significant attention within the UFC community.
Islam Makhachev’s last UFC outing (Image via Daily Mail)Their attempts at baseball garnered widespread attention, amusing fight fans who couldn’t resist making fun of these mixed martial artists trying a different sport. Netizens were quick to share their reactions to McGregor and Costa’s failed pitches, as well as Makhachev swinging a baseball bat. Below are some of the reactions shared online.
Smesh this boll
— Tennis + UFC (@TennisAndUFC) January 5, 2025
Grandslam Makhachev ⚾️
— MMA Filmmaker (@afhdirector) January 6, 2025
he could definitely do well with more training
— BlockBet (@BlockBetGG) January 5, 2025
Already trying out for a new sport. He know.
— Volksbandage 💎 (@Volksbandage) January 5, 2025
Baseball is the hardest sport.
— JohnParker (@neverhmu23) January 6, 2025
⚾️ Islam Makhachev steps into the batter’s box! From the octagon to the diamond, is there anything he can’t do? 🥋💪
— Echo (@EchoNexusX) January 5, 2025
Bratha who give this guy baseball bat we have to check this moment
— Keyemaster (@TheKeyeMaster) January 5, 2025
Just give him six months and he take over MLB
— ChimaevSZN 🥷🏻🐺 (@ChimaevSZN01) January 6, 2025
Makhachev baseball > Jon Jones basketball
— Garv (@GarvMeta) January 5, 2025
What is going on?
First Jones with Basketball
Now Islam with Baseball— StayingUpdated (@StayingUpdated4) January 5, 2025
Hip flexibility is mental man https://t.co/tWGSnsfMGS
— turshi 🇦🇱 (@_Serxho) January 6, 2025
Bratha I strike you out in 3 pitches bratha. Outside fastball, inside changeup, and a low curve bratha. You cannot wrestle in baseball https://t.co/uLVLfTZHXi
— Coolin (@StinkyCullen) January 6, 2025
I would destroy Makhachev in baseball https://t.co/Nokys4wUwd
— Wire (@WireMartialArts) January 6, 2025
Netizens had vivid reactions to Makhachev’s attempt at swinging a baseball. While many mocked his effort, some believed that the Dagestani fighter could improve with a few more months of practice. Additionally, a few commenters noted similarities between Makhachev’s baseball attempt and Jon Jones’ recent basketball effort, where the UFC heavyweight champion failed terribly.
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