Makhachov recently played kok boru, a traditional equestrian sport 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.
Islam Makhachov discovers how demanding Kyrgyz kokboru really are
Makhachov revealed that he initially thought he would adapt easily to the sport by watching it on tape. however,
Ultimate Fighting Championship the welterweight titleholder was surprised at how tough it really is.
When Makhachov’s team won the match, he credited his teammates for the victory. He found lifting the goat carcass to be one of the hardest parts of the game.
“Honestly, it seemed a little easier on tape,” Makhatchov said. “But it’s very hard. A very intense and physical sport. I’d say very energy-intensive. When I watched it on tape, it looked like I was playing it easily. But it’s hard and requires a lot of training. We tried it today and thanks to our teammates we won… Lifting that ram is a difficult task.”
Makhachov also jokingly invited the Kyrgyzstan UFC welterweight Myktybek Orolbai for the game.
“Myktybek Orolbai, where are you?” said Makhachov. “I arrived in Kyrgyzstan to play Kokpar. But I don’t seem to see you here.”
Although Orolbai could not meet Makhachov in person, he sent his greetings.
“Myktybek Orolbaiwhere are you I arrived in Kyrgyzstan. 😀 Islam Makhachov traveled to Kyrgyzstan, where he tried kokpar for the first time and admits that the intense equestrian sport was much harder than it appeared on tape. “It looked like I was playing it easy, but it’s very difficult and requires a lot of training. Lifting the ram is a difficult task when other players are trying to stop you. It’s all about teamwork.” 🇰🇬 Via: kokboru_official_
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) October 6, 2026
