Islam Makhachev’s UFC legacy grows as only two fighters land takedowns on him

Islam Makhachev just claimed welterweight gold, but the Dagestani phenom has never lost a takedown battle in the UFC. Only two men ever put him on the mat inside the Octagon: and one of them, Thiago Moises, was cut by the promotion on 19 June 2026 after an eight-year run.

Who is Thiago Moises and why did the UFC release him?

Thiago Moises leaves the UFC with a 19-10 record across 16 Octagon appearances. The Brazilian’s final stretch was brutal: back-to-back losses in 2026, including a first-round knockout by Jared Gordon and a split-decision loss to Gauge Young. At 31, Moises sits at 8-8 in the UFC and now faces an uncertain future.

How Moises became part of Islam Makhachev’s UFC story

Moises and Makhachev met on 30 October 2021 in a UFC lightweight main event. Moises became Makhachev’s first ranked win and the first man to land a takedown on the Dagestani star in the UFC. Arman Tsarukyan later matched that feat, but no one else has managed the same.

Makhachev choked Moises unconscious in the fourth round, yet the Brazilian’s takedown still stands as a footnote in the champion’s rise. That October 2021 card came before Makhachev vacated the lightweight strap for Ilia Topuria and later seized the welterweight crown.

What comes next for Moises after the UFC exit?

Moises could land in PFL or on an MVP MMA card. The 31-year-old still owns name value after a three-fight win streak that once earned him a main event with Makhachev. A move to PFL’s regular-season format or a one-off MVP bout would fit a fighter with his résumé and recognition.

Reports suggest the UFC could re-sign him down the road, but Moises now faces a reset rather than an ending. His legacy in Makhachev’s career arc remains intact: even if his UFC future does not.