Updated: August 16, 2026
Islam Makhachev stands as one of the most dominant fighters in UFC history — a former lightweight champion who moved up and claimed the welterweight title, holding the longest winning streak in the promotion. Yet behind the belts, the grappling mastery, and the calm demeanor sits a simple family story rooted in a remote Dagestani village. Fans often ask about Islam Makhachev’s siblings. The answer is straightforward and powerful: he has one older brother, Kurbanismail Makhachev (often called Kurban), whose quiet sacrifice helped clear the path to the top.
Table of Contents
Growing Up in Burshi: Two Brothers, Limited Means
Islam Ramazanovich Makhachev was born on October 27, 1991, in Makhachkala and raised in the small village of Burshi in Dagestan. His parents, father Ramazan (a driver who also grew tomatoes) and mother Zeynab (who ran a small café while raising the family), worked hard to provide. Money was tight. Both boys dreamed of becoming fighters after watching UFC on television. Both showed talent and hoped to train under the legendary Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who was already shaping his own son Khabib.
The family could not afford to send both sons for proper training. Kurban, the older brother, recognized something special in Islam. He stepped aside.
Kurbanismail’s Sacrifice That Changed Everything
Around 2005, when Islam was competing in combat sambo and considering quitting because of the lack of financial reward, Kurban stepped in. He took multiple jobs to cover training and travel costs so his younger brother could continue. The name Kurban itself means “sacrifice,” and he lived it. He put his own fighting ambitions on hold so Islam could chase the dream under Abdulmanap’s guidance.
That decision paid off. Islam went on to become a combat sambo world champion, then a UFC double champion. In return, once success arrived, Islam built a home for his parents and helped Kurban open a luxury car dealership in Makhachkala — the kind of place that sells Ferraris and Lamborghinis. The brother who once worked two jobs now runs a successful business.
Key facts about the siblings at a glance:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Sibling name | Kurbanismail (Kurban) Makhachev |
| Relationship | Older brother |
| Other siblings | None publicly known |
| Hometown | Burshi village, Dagestan |
| Parents | Ramazan (father), Zeynab (mother) |
| Brother’s role | Financial support & career encourager |
| Current status of brother | Business owner (luxury cars) |
Not Related to Khabib — But True Brothers in Spirit
Many people assume Islam and Khabib Nurmagomedov are blood brothers because of their closeness and shared training history. They are not. They grew up near each other, attended the same school, and trained under the same coach. Abdulmanap treated Islam like a son. The two men call each other brother out of deep respect and shared struggle, not shared parents. Kurban remains Islam’s only biological sibling.
Life Beyond the Cage and Family Privacy
Islam keeps his personal life private, consistent with Dagestani tradition. He is married (wedding in 2021) and has three young children — one daughter and two sons. Details about names and ages stay out of the spotlight. Kurban also maintains a low profile, though he appears in supportive Instagram moments and has been present through Islam’s rise. The brothers’ bond reflects the values their father instilled: hard work, discipline, and looking out for family first.
- Kurban funded early training when money was scarce.
- Islam later repaid the support with housing and business opportunities.
- The family still prioritizes privacy over public attention.
- Their story shows how one sibling’s choice can shape a champion’s path.
Conclusion
Islam Makhachev’s siblings story is not a long list of names. It is the story of one older brother who chose family over personal ambition and gave the younger one the chance to become great. In a sport full of individual glory, the Makhachev brothers remind us that success often rests on quiet, selfless decisions made years earlier in a mountain village. As Islam continues to make history in the UFC, the foundation built by Kurbanismail remains one of the most meaningful parts of his journey.