After being crowned lightweight champion at UFC 280 last week, Islam Makhachev returned home to a hero’s welcome in his native Dagestan.
Footage showed Makhachev arriving at the airport terminal, where he was greeted by Sergey Melikov, the Russian politician who serves as the Head of the Republic of Dagestan. The fighter also met with the regional Minister of Sports Saida Zahidova.
Following a photo-op with the politicians, the UFC champion was eventually led outside where a throng of supporters celebrated his return.
“I’d like to thank everybody who came here to greet and support me,” Makhachev said as he addressed the crowd.