Islam Makhachev thought this sport looked easy; then he tried it

Islam Makhachev recently traveled to Kyrgyzstan to try kok boru, a traditional horseback sport in which teams compete to carry a goat carcass and place it in their opponent's goal. The UFC welterweight champion discovered that the ancient Central Asian game was far more demanding than it appeared on video.

Makhachev admitted he initially believed he would adapt to kok boru with ease after watching footage, but the reality proved humbling. Although his team won the match, he credited his teammates for the victory and noted that lifting the goat carcass was one of the sport's toughest physical demands, especially when opponents actively resist. He also joked that he expected to encounter Kyrgyz UFC welterweight Myktybek Orolbai during his visit, calling out the fighter in good spirits: "Myktybek Orolbai, where are you? I arrived in Kyrgyzstan to play Kokpar. But I can't seem to see you here." While Orolbai could not meet Makhachev in person, he sent his greetings.