Islam
Makhachev finally found a sport that tests his limits.
Makhachev recently played the traditional horseback sport of kok
boru in Kyrgyzstan. The Kyrgyz game involves two teams on horseback
trying to carry a goat carcass and put it in the opposing team’s
goal.
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Islam Makhachev discovers how demanding Kyrgyzstan’s kok boru
really is
Makhachev revealed that he initially thought he would adapt to the
sport with ease while watching it on tape. However, the
Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight titleholder was
surprised by how difficult it really is.
While Makhachev’s team won the match, he credited his teammates for
the victory. He found lifting the goat carcass to be one of the
toughest parts of the game.
“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. We tried it today and thanks to my
teammates, we won… Lifting this ram is a hard task.”
Makhachev also jokingly called out Kyrgyz UFC welterweight Myktybek
Orolbai for a game.
“Myktybek Orolbai, where are you?” Makhachev said. “I arrived in
Kyrgyzstan to play Kokpar. But I can’t seem to see you here.”
While Orolbai couldn’t meet Makhachev in person, he sent his
greetings.
“Myktybek
Orolbai, where are you? I arrived in Kyrgyzstan.” 😀 Islam
Makhachev travelled to Kyrgyzstan, where he tried kokpar for
the first time and admits the intense horseback sport was much
harder than it looked on tape. “It seemed like I would play it with
ease, but it’s very hard and takes a lot of training. Lifting the
ram is a hard task when other players are trying to stop you. It’s
all about the team effort.” 🇰🇬 Via: kokboru_official_— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) October 6,
2026