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Islam Makhachev Competes in Dagestan’s Caspian Cup Wrestball

The UFC welterweight champion stays active between fights with viral clips from a regional hybrid sport showing his wrestling control.

Overview

  • He represented the Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov MMA School in the Caspian Cup, facing Tarki Tau alongside teammates Gadzhi Rabadanov and Zabit Magomedsharipov.
  • Video posts from accounts such as Matysek and PAM showed him scoring, securing takedowns, and controlling space on defense.
  • Reports describe Wrestball as a fast, physical blend of wrestling and basketball that is popular in parts of Russia and the Caucasus.
  • Fan reactions on social media amplified the highlights and jokingly compared his play to NBA stars, including LeBron James.
  • The appearance follows his UFC 322 win over Jack Della Maddalena to become a two-division champion, with no next opponent publicly announced.