UFC Champion Makhachev humbled by Kyrgyzstan's kok boru after expecting an easy ride

Islam Makhachev, the UFC lightweight champion regarded as one of the most complete fighters on the planet, met his match in an unlikely place — a Kyrgyz horseback sport involving a goat carcass. Makhachev recently visited Kyrgyzstan to try kok boru, a traditional team game in which riders compete to carry a goat carcass into the opposing team’s goal.

Makhachev had studied the sport on video beforehand and came away confident he would adapt quickly. Reality proved otherwise.

“To be honest, it seemed to be a bit easier on tape,” Makhachev said. “But it is very hard. A very intense and physical sport. I would say a very energy-consuming one. When I was watching it on tape, it seemed like I would play it with ease. But it’s hard and takes a lot of training.”

Despite the steep learning curve, Makhachev’s team won the match. He was quick to deflect credit, attributing the result to his teammates rather than his own contribution. He singled out the act of lifting the ram as a particular test of strength and endurance, especially with opponents actively trying to wrestle it away.

“We tried it today and thanks to my teammates, we won,” he added. “Lifting this ram is a hard task.”

Makhachev also used the occasion to take a light-hearted jab at Myktybek Orolbai, the Kyrgyz UFC welterweight, calling him out for a kok boru challenge. “Myktybek Orolbai, where are you? I arrived in Kyrgyzstan to play Kokpar. But I can’t seem to see you here,” Makhachev said. Orolbai, unable to attend in person, responded by sending his greetings.

The visit offers a rare glimpse of Makhachev outside the octagon — competitive and self-deprecating in equal measure, and apparently willing to be humbled by a sport most of the world has never heard of.