Islam Makhachev’s custom shorts for UFC 311 have just arrived. While there have been many eye-catching customized shorts adorned by other fighters for PPVs in the past, the lightweight champion’s white attire stands out. Islam, of course, loves them. Many fans found them cool too. All the more since it has some intriguing symbols from Dagestan.
Makhachev told the reporters present at the unveiling that the shorts depicted the mountains from his homeland. But then, he couldn’t explain the prominent dagger image on it.
“This is the Dagestan mountains. It’s called Pabaku. And this is the… knife. “
Champ loving his new shorts @MAKHACHEVMMA | #UFC311 pic.twitter.com/LfDeMpfG7J
— UFC (@ufc) January 14, 2025
Some fans were eager to understand the dagger’s significance in Dagestani culture. “The sword is fire. Does anyone know its meaning in relation to Dagestan? Or is it just to look cool?” asked one.
Another fan explained that the dagger was called Khanjali, and is often symbolically used in social ceremonies.
Islam Makhachev’s custom shorts with the mountain & Dagestan Khanjali theme.
The Dagestan Khanjali is more than just a weapon; it’s a cultural emblem.
It’s part of traditional male attire, symbolizing honor and bravery, and sometimes used in dance or social ceremonies. pic.twitter.com/VdEekNt38N
— Valoresense (@Valoresense) January 14, 2025
Mostly, the fans found the shorts cool looking, with one giving credit to the UFC for the design: “UFC Cooked With This One“. Another person, keen to buy them the moment it hits the market, wrote, “This might be the first custom shorts I buy“.
UFC Cooked With This One
— FARHAN (@lamFarhan) January 14, 2025
While the focus of the fandom has momentarily shifted to the shorts, Makhachev’s attention will be completely on Arman Tsarukyan, who is leaving no stone unturned in the preparations.
Ahead of the PPV, Tsarukyan has released pictures of himself training with Adriano Martins, the only fighter to have defeated Islam in the UFC.
Islam wants to silence Arman
Tsarukyan recently claimed that 90% of the crowd at UFC 311 will be his fans since the bout is staged in California. He called it an “Armenian town”.
Speaking to Ariel Helwani, Tsarukyan expressed his surprise that the champion wasn’t fighting in a more familiar territory.
“I’m surprised [he agreed to the fight] because it’s not his territory. I thought he wanted to maybe fight in Saudi Arabia or Dubai or somewhere else, but not in California. California is an Armenian town,” said Arman.
Makhachev hasn’t responded to this remark, or any of the ones Arman has made prior to this. He has merely stated that he wants to shut up Arman inside the octagon. However, Islam also admitted that his opponent deserved the title shot after going 9-1 in his last 10 fights.
“Honestly, I knew, like five-six months ago it was gonna be Arman… I’ve said all my fight career, I want to fight with a real contender or a real fighter who deserves a title fight. That’s why I think he’s deserved (his shot),” said Makhachev.
Islam believes this will be a big fight for the fans as Arman has the skills to be at the top. The champ explained that his opponent is good at striking as well as wrestling and grappling. The title fight will indeed have two of the best in the 155 lbs division battling it out.
Makhachev understands that Arman is probably the last obstacle he has before he makes a move to a higher weight class seeking a second title. So he would be keen to win the fight as clinically as possible.
