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Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s undisputed heir, is breaking records in the UFC
UFC

Published 59 days ago

Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s undisputed heir, is breaking records in the UFC

At 35, Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s heir, eyes GOAT status with 28 wins in 29 fights, including 16 in the UFC. His next challenge? Breaking Anderson Silva’s record by securing his 17th straight win against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330.

To remember:

  • Islam Makhachev, with 28 wins in 29 fights (including 16 in the UFC), is a top contender for the MMA GOAT title.
  • He already holds 4 successful defenses of the lightweight title in pound-for-pound, confirming his dominance.
  • A win over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 would allow him to break Anderson Silva’s record of 16 consecutive wins.

From a young age, Islam Makhachev was groomed to dominate MMA. Under the guidance of his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, he perfected an unstoppable fighting style, blending wrestling and ground control. With 28 wins in 29 fights, including 16 in the UFC, the Dagestani is now considered one of the greatest talents of his generation. But at 35, time is running out to join legends like Jon Jones or Georges St-Pierre in the race for the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) title.


A Career Marked by Records

Makhachev’s journey hasn’t always been smooth. In 2015, an early loss to Adriano Martins nearly ended his career. Yet, since that setback, he has strung together 16 consecutive wins, including four successful lightweight title defenses in pound-for-pound. A feat that places him at the top of the global hierarchy, alongside the biggest names in MMA.


A Historic Challenge at UFC 330

This Saturday, Makhachev faces Ian Machado Garry in the main event of UFC 330. A win would open the door to history. He would become the third fighter to defend a title in two different weight classes, while also breaking the record of 16 consecutive wins held by Anderson Silva. At 35, every fight is an opportunity to etch his name into MMA immortality.


For Garry, this fight is also a chance to prove his worth against the elite. The young Irishman, known for his explosive style, will need to find a way to counter Makhachev’s technical mastery. A loss for the latter could reshuffle the lightweight hierarchy.


Whatever happens, UFC 330 is shaping up to be a historic event. Makhachev, already on the verge of writing his legend, could take a decisive step toward immortality in the world of MMA.

On the eve of a fight that could change everything, Islam Makhachev stands on the brink of a new era. Whether it’s to break a record or solidify his dominance, one thing is certain: his name will echo for a long time in MMA history.

Editor's Opinion
By Nakmen
Damn, Makhachev—this guy is the Batman of lightweights: calm, methodical, and with a Plan B for every situation (except when he faces OSS117 in wrestling, then he had to improvise a bit with his "Khabib Move"). 28-29, 16 straight wins… The guy has the soul of an Anderson Silva but with the consistency of Jurassic Park (dinosaurs always win). Garry? A solid sprinter, but against a wall of pain like Makhachev, it’s like rolling a 20-sided die against a loaded one. The Dagestani has already proven he can dominate two weight classes, so if he wins, we might have our future GOAT… or at least a guy who’ll make legends turn pale while watching The Rock on loop for motivation. But hey, at 35, time flies faster than a Fast & Furious movie in "too many cars" mode. It’s his move, or he’ll end up like the dinosaurs: a stunning specimen in the history books.
Article written by SkimAI
Reviewed and completed by Nakmen

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