Islam Makhachev robbed while on Italy trip, pleads for rare gift to be returned

TL;DR

Islam Makhachev was robbed during a trip to Italy, where thieves stole his suitcase containing treasured items but left his wallet, passport, and prayer mat untouched. He is now pleading for the return of his rare gift.

Islam Makhachev confirms he was the victim of a robbery while spending some time in Italy during a road trip.

The UFC welterweight champion took the mantle from good friend Khabib Nurmagomedov upon his retirement, and many fans believe he has surpassed his predecessor's legacy inside the octagon. A dominant player in two separate weight classes, the 34-year-old is among the 0.1% of people in the world whom regular civilians should avoid provoking, for their own safety.

However, that didn't faze criminals in Italy after reports claim that Islam Makhachev's recent European road trip didn't go as planned. Despite being a killer in hand-to-hand combat, a group of thugs decided it was a good idea to steal Makhachev's suitcase, which held some treasured items.

According to Makhachev, while still going ahead with the robbery, the thieves left his wallet and passport in his possession, and left without tampering with or stealing his prayer mat. Here's what Makhachev revealed after the incident:

"I was driving smoothly to Italy but now I don't like Italy. I'll tell you how I got robbed here," Makhachev said. "All that's left is this wallet and my passport. The nice robbers returned my passport... The most valuable thing in the suitcase was the football shoes, given to me by [Khvicha Kvaratskhelia] after the last game. Thieves, if football isn't your thing, I'll take the shoes back."

No confrontation occurred between Islam Makhachev and the unknown offenders, but a valuable pair of soccer boots, previously gifted to Makhachev, was taken during the burglary.

The UFC ace was presented with the soccer boots from PSG star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia following the French outfit's UEFA Champions League outing against Liverpool. Paris Saint-Germain emerged victorious, comfortably defeating The Reds 2-0. Having a hand in his team's win with a goal, Kvaratskhelia gave attendee Makhachev his match-worn boots as a gift, which were later taken during the robbery in Italy.

Makhachev was in good spirits and reassured fans, stating that nothing else is needed as long as his prayer mat remained.

"But it's all normal. Don't panic," Makhachev continued. "The praying mat was left as well. Nothing else is needed.

Q&A

What items were stolen from Islam Makhachev during the robbery in Italy?

Islam Makhachev's suitcase, which contained treasured items, was stolen, but his wallet, passport, and prayer mat were left untouched.

How did Islam Makhachev react to the robbery incident in Italy?

Islam Makhachev confirmed the robbery and is pleading for the return of his rare gift that was inside the stolen suitcase.

What is Islam Makhachev's status in the UFC following Khabib Nurmagomedov's retirement?

Islam Makhachev is the current UFC welterweight champion and is considered by many fans to have surpassed Khabib Nurmagomedov's legacy in the octagon.