Islam Makhachev Breaks UFC Record, Names Future Champ

Islam Makhachev is making headlines far beyond his latest title defense. The UFC welterweight champion has broken the promotion's all-time win streak record, anointed his likely successor, and plunged back into a fiery debate about who is the greatest fighter of all time. His recent comments have sparked intense discussion across the sport.

Makhachev Breaks Silva's Record and Maps the Division

Following his successful title defense against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330, Islam Makhachev extended his UFC winning streak to 17 fights. The champion defeated Garry by unanimous decision, with official scores of 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47. Makhachev has now stated a goal of reaching at least 20 wins before he retires.

In a detailed breakdown of the welterweight landscape, Makhachev evaluated the top contenders. He placed Carlos Prates, Michael Morales, and Shavkat Rakhmonov on a similar level, praising Prates's power, Morales's size and skills, and Rakhmonov's overall ability. He was less convinced by former Bellator champion Yaroslav Amosov, questioning his threat if his wrestling is neutralized.

The champion singled out his most recent opponent, Ian Machado Garry, as the man most likely to wear the belt next. Makhachev called Garry one of his most dangerous and serious opponents. He believes the young fighter will become champion, but only after Makhachev himself leaves the division. "I think he'll become champion after I leave," Makhachev said. "He's young. I think he still has time."

Why Makhachev Says Jon Jones's Streak Is Invalid

Makhachev has reignited a heated social media feud with former light heavyweight king Jon Jones. The core of his argument centers on Jones's history with performance-enhancing drugs. Makhachev dismisses Jones's famed 20-fight unbeaten streak, pointing to a victory over Daniel Cormier that was later overturned to a no-contest due to a failed drug test. He insists Jones's PED failures cannot be ignored in discussions about legacy.

This stance has found support from notable figures. Luke Rockhold, a former UFC champion and former teammate of Makhachev at American Kickboxing Academy, publicly backed the welterweight champion in the GOAT debate. Rockhold favored an athlete who has competed "cleanly and fairly" over his entire career. "You cheat the game, you cheat the game; you can't call GOAT status when you cheat the game," Rockhold stated, while still acknowledging Jones as a legend.

• Record Breaker: Islam Makhachev now holds the UFC's longest win streak at 17 fights, surpassing Anderson Silva.
• Heir Apparent: Makhachev believes Ian Machado Garry will become welterweight champion, but only after he vacates the title.
• GOAT Debate: Makhachev and supporter Luke Rockhold argue Jon Jones's PED history invalidates his claim as the greatest of all time.
• Division Hierarchy: The champion rates Carlos Prates, Michael Morales, and Shavkat Rakhmonov as his top current challengers.

Makhachev's immediate future involves another title defense before the upcoming Ramadan period. With a historic streak to protect and a division full of hungry challengers, the champion's reign continues to be the central story in the UFC.