Islam Makhachev Enters GOAT Conversation After Landmark

Islam Makhachev has officially entered the conversation for the greatest MMA fighter of all time. The UFC welterweight champion's recent accomplishments have sparked high praise from a former UFC star, who places him in the sport's most elite company.

Former UFC fighter Diana Belbita has given a candid assessment of Makhachev's legacy. She believes his body of work at both lightweight and welterweight pushes him into the uppermost tier. Belbita specifically named Makhachev alongside legends Jon Jones and Georges St-Pierre. "I will count him in the top three, at least top five," Belbita said on The Game Plan podcast. She highlighted the caliber of his opponents, dismissing any notion that his record is padded. Makhachev's achievements are indeed staggering. He holds the record for the most successful title defenses and most title-fight wins in UFC history. His only professional loss came in his second UFC fight back in 2015, and he has since racked up a 17-fight winning streak.

The catalyst for this renewed GOAT debate was Makhachev's latest victory. At UFC 330 in August, he successfully defended his welterweight title with a unanimous decision win over Ian Machado Garry. That fight was a significant milestone. More impressively, the win placed him on a very short list of fighters who have successfully defended a UFC championship in two different weight divisions. This dual-division dominance is a key argument for his all-time greatness.

With his latest defense complete, speculation has already turned to the champion's next challenge. While no official announcement has been made, a former UFC champion has forecast potential opponents. The names in the mix are dangerous contenders Carlos Prates and the undefeated Michael Morales. Both present unique stylistic tests for Makhachev as he looks to build his welterweight legacy.

Makhachev's influence extends beyond his own cage. His teammate, the undefeated Magomed Zaynukov, has a big fight scheduled for the UFC Qatar card on November 21. Zaynukov, who trains with the champion, will face Manoel Sousa in a lightweight bout at the Ali Bin Hamad al-Attiyah Arena in Doha. This adds a layer of interest for fans of the Dagestani fight team, as another product of their system looks to make waves on the global stage.

Key Takeaways from Makhachev's Current Run:

• Makhachev is on a 17-fight winning streak, with his sole loss dating back to 2015.
• He successfully defended his UFC welterweight title at UFC 330 in August 2026.
• He joins an elite group as one of the few fighters to defend UFC titles in two different divisions.
• A former UFC star ranks him in the top three MMA fighters ever, alongside Jon Jones and Georges St-Pierre.