Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, has been nothing short of dominant inside the Octagon. But outside of it, fans are beginning to ask a serious question:
Is the UFC treating him fairly — or has he been quietly screwed over?

From a lack of promotion to delayed title defenses and last-minute opponent switches, Makhachev’s career as champion hasn’t had the same support or hype seen with other fighters. Here’s why some believe the Dagestani superstar is being undervalued — or even ignored — by the UFC.

A Dominant Champion… Yet Overlooked

Let’s start with the facts: Islam Makhachev has convincingly defended his title, including a short-notice rematch win against pound-for-pound great Alexander Volkanovski. His performances have been high-level, clinical, and often flawless.

And yet… he rarely headlines UFC promotional content, isn’t pushed with the same media firepower as others, and seems to fly under the radar compared to flashier, more media-friendly fighters like Sean O’Malley or Conor McGregor.

“He’s too respectful, too disciplined, and too quiet,” one analyst noted. “That doesn’t sell in today’s UFC.”

Big Fights Promised… But Rarely Delivered

For over a year, the lightweight division has been swirling with talk: Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira 2, Makhachev vs. Justin Gaethje, or maybe even vs. Dustin Poirier.

And yet… those fights either never materialize or are scheduled under chaotic, last-minute conditions.

His rematch with Volkanovski, for example, only happened because Oliveira pulled out on short notice. No proper build-up. No full training camp for Volk. No real payoff.

“Makhachev deserves a real promotion and a real fight card,” fans argue. “Not a patchwork event every few months.”

Is It All About the Money?

Many insiders believe Makhachev is simply not a priority for the UFC’s business model. Unlike fighters who generate controversy, trash talk, or viral moments, Makhachev is a serious martial artist first — and not one to play games with the media.

Unfortunately, in modern MMA, skills alone don’t guarantee stardom.

Fighters like O’Malley, McGregor, or Paddy Pimblett are heavily pushed due to their personalities. Meanwhile, Makhachev — despite being elite — is left in the shadows because he won’t play the entertainment game.

Fairness vs. Fame: A UFC Identity Crisis?

This raises an uncomfortable question: Is the UFC rewarding the best fighters, or just the most marketable ones?
If someone like Islam Makhachev — who trains year-round, wins dominantly, and defends his belt without excuses — is overlooked, what message does that send to rising fighters?

It also calls into question the UFC’s commitment to sporting meritocracy versus entertainment-based matchmaking.

Fans Speak Out: “Respect Makhachev!”

Social media is increasingly vocal about the situation. Many fans are rallying around the Dagestani champ with hashtags like:

#RespectIslam

#MakhachevDeservesMore

#UFCDoBetter

Even legends like Khabib Nurmagomedov have hinted at frustration with the UFC’s lack of promotional support for fighters who come from more humble, respectful backgrounds.

Conclusion: Screwed Over? Maybe… But Still Winning

At the end of the day, Makhachev doesn’t need to talk — his record does the talking.
But the UFC’s silence around one of its most talented champions is raising eyebrows and causing rifts among MMA fans.

If the UFC wants to stay true to its roots and reward real champions, it might be time to give Islam Makhachev the push he rightfully deserves — with full training camps, proper opponents, and the spotlight earned through dominance, not drama.