Islam Makhachev Reveals How First MMA Defeat Paved Way to UFC Championship

The Dagestani fighter discusses how his only professional loss shaped his mindset and led to his championship success.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Islam Makhachev, the current UFC lightweight and welterweight champion, has opened up about how his first-ever MMA defeat in 2015 against Adriano Martins was a wake-up call that ultimately paved the way for his championship run. Makhachev, who trains alongside former champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, admits he felt unbeatable early in his career, but that loss humbled him and made him a smarter fighter. After that defeat, Makhachev went on a 16-fight win streak, capturing both the lightweight and welterweight titles.

Why it matters

Makhachev's story highlights how a single loss can sometimes be a turning point for an athlete, forcing them to re-evaluate their approach and ultimately leading to greater success. His journey from that first defeat to becoming a double champion in the UFC demonstrates the importance of resilience and adaptability in the world of professional sports.

The details

In 2015, the then 24-year-old Makhachev suffered his first professional MMA loss, a first-round knockout against Adriano Martins at UFC 192. Makhachev admits he lacked a proper game plan at the time, feeling overconfident due to his training alongside champions like Khabib Nurmagomedov. However, that defeat proved to be a pivotal moment, as Makhachev says he became a "completely different fighter" afterwards, becoming smarter and more focused in his approach.

  • In 2015, Makhachev faced his first defeat against Adriano Martins via a first-round KO at UFC 192.
  • After that loss, Makhachev went on a 16-fight win streak, capturing the UFC lightweight title in 2022 and the welterweight title in 2023.

The players

Islam Makhachev

The current UFC lightweight and welterweight champion, who trains alongside former champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Adriano Martins

The fighter who defeated Makhachev via first-round knockout at UFC 192 in 2015, handing Makhachev his first professional MMA loss.

Khabib Nurmagomedov

The former UFC lightweight champion, who has trained Makhachev throughout his career.

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What they’re saying

“I didn't have a plan at that time; I just wanted to push him and make him tired. From that loss, I became a completely different fighter. I'm smarter now. Maybe – who knows, only God knows – if I hadn't lost that time, I might never have become a champion.”

— Islam Makhachev (Arena Fight TV)

“Maybe at that time God showed me, 'You're not the best, you're just beginning.'”

— Islam Makhachev (Twitter)

“It was the moment you understood – well done, it's finished. It's an emotion I never felt before, and I'll never feel it again. When I became a double champ, it wasn't the same; the first belt is the biggest thing in my life.”

— Islam Makhachev (Interview)

What’s next

If Makhachev wins one more fight, he will surpass Anderson Silva's record for the longest winning streak in UFC history.

The takeaway

Makhachev's story demonstrates the power of resilience and adaptability in sports. His first professional loss served as a wake-up call that ultimately propelled him to become one of the greatest fighters of all time, capturing multiple UFC championships through a relentless 16-fight win streak.