The sports world continues to mourn the tragic loss of Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who perished in a car accident on July 3, 2025, near Zamora, Spain. Amid the outpouring of tributes, UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, despite never being a teammate, has deeply moved fans globally with a heartfelt act of worship and solidarity for Jota’s grieving family.

Makhachev, known for his dominance in the octagon, took to social media to share a poignant message, dedicating a prayer during his daily worship to honor Jota’s memory and support his family, including his wife, Rute Cardoso, and their three young children. This gesture, rooted in compassion, resonated widely, with fans praising the fighter’s humility and empathy. “Islam’s prayer for Diogo’s family shows the unity of athletes across sports,” one fan commented online.

The accident, caused by a tire blowout on Jota’s Lamborghini, claimed the lives of the brothers just weeks after Jota’s wedding. Tributes have poured in from figures like Cristiano Ronaldo and Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, but Makhachev’s spiritual gesture stood out for its sincerity. He also pledged support to a charity chosen by Jota’s family, focusing on youth football in Gondomar, Portugal, Jota’s hometown.

This noble act highlights Makhachev’s character beyond the UFC, uniting fans in a shared moment of grief and respect. As Liverpool FC and the global sports community honor Jota’s legacy, Makhachev’s gesture serves as a reminder of the power of compassion, bridging football and MMA in a heartfelt tribute to a fallen star.