Makhachev exposes crisis with 900 deaths in four days and shows anger at bombings in Gaza

Islam makhachev is the UFC lightweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC India

Islam makhachev took to social media to express support for the Palestinian people in Gaza amid intense Israeli bombings that have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians in just a few days. In an Instagram post, the UFC lightweight champion criticized the global silence on the conflict.

“Imagine if in any other country 900 people were killed in just four days — the whole world would be talking about it and mourning. But this is Gaza, and the world simply stands silently, watching a small nation being exterminated, a nation that fears no one and will defend its land until its last breath,” Makhachev wrote.

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Since the end of the truce on March 18, 2025, Israel has carried out 430 strikes in the Gaza Strip, resulting in hundreds of deaths. Palestinian health officials reported that approximately 634 Palestinians were killed after the resumption of airstrikes, including women and children. In addition, it is estimated that more than 800 people have lost their lives since the resumption of the Israeli offensive against Hamas.

Makhachev, who is Muslim and has roots in Dagestan, did not celebrate his victory in UFC 294, held in October 2023 in Abu Dhabi, in solidarity with the Palestinian people. He highlighted the pain of seeing children die in conflicts, regardless of their origin, and called for unity among Muslims, Christians and Jews to face global crises.

Makhachev + other UFC fighters support Palestine

The fighter is not alone in his stance. Other Muslim UFC athletes, such as Khamzat Shimaev e Belal Muhammad |, also expressed support for Palestine, carrying Palestinian flags and sharing messages on social media. Khabib Nurmagomedov also condemned the Israeli attacks, calling them 'genocide' and calling for justice for the Palestinians.

The situation in Gaza remains critical, with reports of imminent famine, forced displacement and attacks on civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and schools. Human rights organizations warn of the severity of the crisis, which has resulted in more than 50 deaths since October 2023, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.