Islam Makhachev Breaks UFC Winning Streak Record, Sparks GOAT Debate

Islam Makhachev made history on Saturday night, earning his 17th consecutive victory by defeating Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330. The Russian grappler won the bout by unanimous decision and moved in front of Brazilian legend Anderson Silva to claim the biggest winning streak in company history.

What happened?

Islam Makhachev's impressive win has sparked a heated debate about his status as the UFC's greatest of all time. Many fans and pundits have hailed the Russian grappler as the new UFC GOAT, but not everyone agrees.

Why it matters for Islam Makhachev

Makhachev's current run inside the Octagon is seriously impressive. He has won championship gold at both lightweight and welterweight, defeating the likes of Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski (twice) and Dustin Poirier in title bouts. However, Islam's reputation is built less on the names on his record and more on the way that he has dominated his opposition over the past 10 years.

What comes next?

In the aftermath of his success, Makhachev's fellow contender for the GOAT crown, Jon Jones, has made his feelings known on the debate. Jones, who retired from the UFC as the reigning heavyweight champion last year, took to social media where he told his followers that he was confused about the hype around Makhachev. "Hopped on social media and heard there was a new goat? I’m so confused make it make sense," he wrote.

Jones heads the list of fighters with the most UFC title fight wins, with 16 victories in championship contests. Georges St-Pierre sits second on 13 wins, while Demetrious Johnson occupies third spot with 12 triumphs. Makhachev, meanwhile, sits all the way down in 12th place with just seven title fight wins.

When you look at the raw numbers, it's tough to argue that Jones doesn't have a legitimate argument. However, Islam's reputation is built on his ability to dominate his opponents, and his current win streak is seriously impressive.

Key takeaways:

• Islam Makhachev has earned his 17th consecutive victory by defeating Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330.
• Makhachev has moved in front of Anderson Silva's record for the biggest winning streak in UFC history.
• Jon Jones has questioned the hype around Makhachev, citing his own impressive record in title fights.

The case for Islam Makhachev as UFC GOAT

There is no denying that Makhachev's current run inside the Octagon is seriously impressive. He has won championship gold at both lightweight and welterweight, defeating the likes of Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski (twice) and Dustin Poirier in title bouts. However, Islam's reputation is built less on the names on his record and more on the way that he has dominated his opposition over the past 10 years.

The 34-year-old has rarely been in real danger of losing during his current win streak. He does, though, have one defeat on his MMA record, having been knocked out by Adriano Martins in just his second fight in the UFC. Makhachev has undoubtedly bounced back well from that setback, but some feel it still impacts his case to be considered the GOAT, including UFC CEO Dana White: "If he didn't have that one loss on his record, it'd almost be a no-brainer," said White of Islam's GOAT claims following UFC 330.

Prior to his win over Machado Garry, UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier stated that Makhachev wasn't even the greatest fighter from his own country, arguing that Islam's own mentor, the undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov, was superior to him.

What's next for Islam Makhachev?

Islam Makhachev's impressive win has sparked a heated debate about his status as the UFC's greatest of all time. With his current win streak, Makhachev is well-positioned to make a strong case for the GOAT title. However, Jones' comments have added fuel to the fire, and it remains to be seen how Makhachev will respond to the challenge.

Islam Makhachev's winning streak record:

Islam Makhachev's title fight wins: