Islam Makhachev’s bizarre robbery story in Italy is exactly as strange as it sounds. The UFC lightweight champion did have his luggage stolen, yet the thieves ignored the most obvious valuables and walked away with something far more unusual, leaving behind his passport, wallet, and even his prayer mat.
According to a recent viral social media post, the missing suitcase contained a deeply personal item: match-worn football boots gifted to him by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Paris Saint-Germain winger had reportedly given him the boots after a major European fixture, complete with a personal message that made them nearly impossible to replace.
The selective nature of the theft is what makes the incident stand out. High-value essentials were untouched, allowing Makhachev to continue his travels without disruption. The only meaningful loss was sentimental rather than practical, which is rarely the case in theft situations.
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A Robbery That Makes Little Sense
Makhachev addressed the situation directly, keeping his tone surprisingly calm despite the circumstances. “The most valuable thing were these shoes that [Kvaratskhelia] gifted me. Thieves, if you don’t like football, please return it back… No need to worry. It’s all good. I have my praying carpet, that’s all that matters,” he wrote.
Most thefts involving travelers tend to follow a predictable pattern: cash, identification, and electronics are usually the first items targeted. In this case, the opposite happened. The thieves bypassed everything that could create immediate financial gain or logistical trouble.
The decision to leave behind a passport and wallet suggests either a rushed act or a very specific target within the luggage. Neither explanation fully accounts for why a pair of football boots, even valuable ones, would be prioritized over universally useful items.
The boots themselves, however, carried a unique significance. Beyond their connection to Paris Saint-Germain, they were tied to a high-level match and included a personalized message. For Makhachev, who has long been vocal about his love for football, the loss goes beyond material value.
Football has remained a consistent part of his life outside the octagon. Training sessions often include the sport, and relationships with professional players like Kvaratskhelia highlight how deeply embedded it is in his routine.
While the robbery grabbed attention for its odd details, Makhachev’s name has also been circulating for another reason, his near-involvement in a major UFC event that never materialized. Ilia Topuria recently revealed that Makhachev was initially scheduled to face him at the proposed UFC Freedom 250 card at the White House.
The fight, which would have seen Topuria move up in weight, was reportedly close to being finalized. Topuria described how quickly things changed in a recent interview, shedding light on how near the matchup actually was. “It could happen, easily. Actually, it was about to happen. Because before I got the confirmation fight against Justin, I was supposed to fight against Islam,” he said.
The situation took a sudden turn just hours before the official announcement. “So, I went to sleep, and in the middle of the night, I get like, I don’t know, hundred calls from the UFC like, ‘Listen, he’s injured and you’re going to face Justin Gaethje.’ So, hours before the announcement of the card, I was supposed to fight against Islam. That fight was this close to happening.”
The explanation given to Topuria was that Makhachev was unavailable due to injury, forcing the UFC to pivot quickly and reshuffle the card.
Published: Apr 13, 2026 12:30 pm