UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev recently sat down for a podcast conversation, during which he was asked a direct question about how combat sports align with Islamic teachings and whether he would ever want his children to follow the same path.
The host framed the issue candidly, saying, “It would probably be unfair if I didn’t ask this question. Many people have written to me about it regarding the permissibility of this sport. We all know that combat sports are prohibited, and I’d like to ask in this context, firstly, how does what you do fit in with the religious part, and secondly, do you want your children to follow in your footsteps?”
Makhachev did not avoid the question. Instead, he openly reflected on his own reservations about MMA from a religious standpoint and even discouraged broader participation in the sport.
“I’m also probably more inclined to think that this sport is not worth getting involved in,” he said, adding that there are “other alternatives.” He continued, “Why not take up other sports? Not only because it’s forbidden in Islam, but it’s also very difficult for the current generation to earn enough money to support a family in this sport. That’s why I’d probably advise people, even parents, not to focus so much on MMA.”
He then addressed his own career and the religious implications tied to it, explaining that he has sought scholarly guidance on the issue.
“As for the sin of what I do, there are many hadiths that say good deeds offset bad ones,” Makhachev said. “I’ve also spoken a lot with religious leaders about these issues. And they’ve given me advice. And I’ll say this: some of them have said, ‘You shouldn’t quit at this point, because you can be more beneficial through this.’”
Makhachev also expressed concern about how athletes are perceived by younger audiences, particularly within the Muslim community.
“It’s bad that young people today look more to athletes and famous people than to preachers, to those who represent our religion,” he said.
