Watch: Islam Makhachev shares emotional message with fan battling cancer - “You are a warrior”

Islam Makhachev is not only a UFC champion and pound-for-pound king but also a great human being. He has again and again proved that with his gestures. In the buildup to UFC 330,  Ian Machado Garry’s son wanted to meet Makhachev but couldn't during the first faceoff. So, after the UFC 330 pre-fight press conference, the champion took the time to meet him. 

There have been other such incidents, with  Alexander Volkanovski sharing that the Dagestani star sent toys for his daughter, showing the friendly relationship between the two former rivals outside the octagon.

More recently, Makhachev flew one of his fans, Valentin, who is battling cancer, to Philadelphia and arranged tickets for him to his fight against Garry at UFC 330 this past Saturday. Now, his post-fight interaction with Valentin has attracted widespread praise from the MMA community, and a video of it is going viral online.

Islam Makhachev shares powerful message with fan after UFC 330 victory

In the hard-fought battle,  Makhachev secured a unanimous decision victory to defend his welterweight title. Many consider this the toughest fight of the Dagestani star's career.

Following the victory, Makhachev met the fan in the locker room and interacted with him. The interaction video, shared by Will Harris of ‘Anatomy of a Fighter,’ was later reshared by ESPN MMA on Instagram. During the interaction, the P4P king offered words of encouragement based on his own experience inside the octagon.

Makhachev explained that despite facing adversity during his five-round battle with Garry, he continued fighting until the final bell.

"You see, from the first second to last second I go war. I have hard time, but never give up," Makhachev told Valentin. 

The Dagestani star then encouraged Valentin to approach his own battle with the same mentality.

"Also yourself, never give up, okay? You are warrior,” Makhachev asserted.

 

Valentin returned to Salem, Oregon, with his daughter, Alexis, to continue his treatment. Makhachev's words of encouragement will undoubtedly inspire Valentin to keep fighting through his battle with cancer and remain strong as he continues his journey toward recovery.

Meanwhile, Makhachev has revealed he is eyeing a quick turnaround after his hard battle at UFC 330. 

Islam Makhachev plans quick return after historic UFC 330 victory

In the post-event presser, Makhachev told reporters that despite the bruises on his face and body, he has not suffered any significant injuries. He pointed out his age and the fact that he no longer has to deal with a major weight cut as factors that could allow him to return soon. He shared that he plans to fight before Ramadan. 

"Bro we have to fight before Ramadan, 100%," Makhachev told reporters. "January, end of [2026] we have to fight. I'm 34 years old, I have to fight as soon as possible. I'm not cutting much weight, I don't have any big injuries. That's it."

One fighter who is likely to face Islam Makhachev in his return is Carlos Prates, as Prates has claimed that UFC officials assured him he is next in line for a title shot. The Dagestani star has also expressed interest in facing Prates next.