Islam Makhachev reels in shark ahead of UFC 330 title fight

Islam Makhachev showed off his fishing skills ahead of his maiden title defense at welterweight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Before facing Ian Garry (17-1) at UFC 330 on Aug. 15 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Makhachev (28-1) has been enjoying his off-time while based in New Jersey. While he frequently fishes back in his home country and while doing training camps in the United States, the Russian’s resolve was recently tested by a shark.

Islam Makhachev reels in shark before UFC 330 clash with Ian Machado Garry
Makhachev has now done two training camps on the East Coast, with New Jersey serving as the Dagestani’s team’s base. Notably, the former lightweight champ did his training camp in Jersey last year ahead of the welterweight title-winning effort against Jack Della Maddalena in New York. Fishing has emerged as one of his favorite pastimes when he isn’t training.

The latest episode of the UFC's “Embedded” video series on YouTube followed Makhachev and some of his teammates fishing by the coastline. In the video, Makhachev is seen using a large fishing rod before eventually reeling in a shark. His segment ends with the champion posing for a picture while jokingly bemoaning that he has to train the following day after being pushed to the limit by the shark.

He addressed his hobby in the first episode of “Embedded” as well, proudly showcasing his fishing rod.