Fresh off a title victory, Russian UFC star Islam Makhachev (30-29) has traded the intensity of an octagon for spiritual visit to Istanbul, Türkiye.
The current UFC welterweight champion traveled Wednesday to the sacred Eyüp Sultan Mosque, located along the shores of the Golden Horn.
The 34-year-old devout Muslim was observed taking wudu or traditional ritual ablution at the courtyard fountain before performing namaz inside the historical mosque.
Speaking on the profound historical and religious significance of his visit, the Dagestani fighter reflected on the heritage of the site with his followers.
"The mosque Abu Ayyub al-Ansari was built in 1458," Makhachev wrote in Instagram.
