Islam Makhachev Names Ian Machado Garry as Future UFC

Islam Makhachev is the new UFC welterweight king and the holder of the promotion's all-time win-streak record, but he's already looking ahead to who will take his throne. After a successful title defense against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in Philadelphia on August 15, 2026, Makhachev has identified the Irish contender as the division's future champion, but only once his own historic reign is over.

Makhachev believes his most recent challenger, Ian Machado Garry, is the man destined to wear the belt next. He made this assessment in a recent interview with Ushatayka. That win extended his incredible UFC winning streak to 17 fights, officially breaking the record of 16 previously held by Anderson Silva. "I think one of the most dangerous and serious opponents was my last fight with Ian Garry," Makhachev said. "And I think he’ll become champion after I leave. He’s young. I think he still has time." The official scorecards read 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47 in the champion's favor after five hard rounds.

While he sees Garry as the top heir, Makhachev also evaluated other leading contenders. He placed Carlos Prates, Michael Morales, and the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov on a similar competitive level. Makhachev cited Prates's punching power, Morales's size and well-rounded game, and Rakhmonov's overall ability as their key strengths. He was less impressed with former Bellator champion Yaroslav Amosov, questioning how dangerous Amosov would be if an opponent managed to shut down his wrestling. The champion has expressed a desire to push his streak to at least 20 wins before retiring and is eyeing another title defense before Ramadan begins in February 2027.

Away from his own division, Makhachev has sparked a fiery public debate with heavyweight legend Jon Jones. The dispute centers on the validity of Jones's own historic unbeaten run, which Makhachev views as compromised. "I'm not denying that Jon Jones is one of the greatest athletes in history," Makhachev stated. "But he was caught doping twice, and I think that's why his streak isn't considered valid. Because he went into a fight while on PEDs and won. That's where a new count should have started."

Jones fired back on social media, referencing Makhachev's sole knockout loss in 2015 and defending his own USADA test results. Makhachev responded with a pointed post of his own. "Jon, I’m not trying to diminish your achievements in any way," he wrote. "But your whole life seems to be tied to breaking the rules one way or another, and somehow, you’re never the one to be blamed." This exchange has become a major talking point, pitting the current record-holder against one of the sport's most decorated but controversial figures.

• Makhachev's 17-fight UFC win streak is now the longest in company history.
• He defeated Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision at UFC 330 on August 15, 2026.
• Makhachev believes Garry will become champion, but only after he vacates the welterweight throne.
• He is publicly challenging the validity of Jon Jones's unbeaten record due to past doping violations.