Published 49 days ago
Makhachev Extends His Streak to 17 Wins: Targeting 20 Before Retiring
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UFC champion Islam Makhachev, already holding a record of 17 consecutive wins, now aims for 20 victories before retiring. At 35 in 2026, he is preparing for three more fights, including a potential title defense against Carlos Prates, despite fierce competition in his division.
To remember:
- Islam Makhachev is targeting a streak of 20 consecutive wins before retiring.
- With 17 wins in a row, he has broken Anderson Silva’s UFC record.
- The Russian champion, holding the lightweight title, plans 3 more fights.
- He could face Carlos Prates before the next Ramadan for a title defense.
- Makhachev, who will be 35 in 2026, remains active despite intense competition in his division.
- He acknowledges he cannot match Jon Jones’ 16 title defenses.
A Historic Record and Limitless Ambition
Islam Makhachev, the Russian phenomenon of the UFC lightweight division, has no intention of slowing down. With a total of 17 consecutive wins, he has already shattered the record held by Anderson Silva, the legendary Brazilian champion. At 35 years old in 2026, Makhachev, hailing from Dagestan, has set an even more ambitious goal: reaching 20 wins before hanging up his gloves. If he succeeds, this achievement will place him among the greatest in mixed martial arts history.
But why put such pressure on himself? Makhachev, who began his professional MMA career in 2010, has built a reputation as an unstoppable fighter. His technical style, blending wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, makes him a true winning machine. Yet, he remains grounded: some records, like Jon Jones' 16 title defenses, seem out of reach to him. A humility that contrasts with his ambition.
Three More Fights to Make History
To reach 20 wins, Makhachev has already mapped out his next steps. According to his statements, he plans to fight in three more bouts, including a potential title defense against Carlos Prates. This fight, which could take place before the next Ramadan, promises to be a real test for the Russian champion. Prates, known for his aggression and power, is a formidable opponent in a division where competition is fierce.
Makhachev, who won his title in 2022 against Charles Oliveira, has already proven he can dominate the best. However, the road to 20 wins won’t be smooth sailing. The lightweight division is packed with talent, and fighters like Dustin Poirier or Justin Gaethje are waiting for their chance to strike. But Makhachev, determined, seems ready to take on the challenge.
A Legacy in the Making
If Makhachev achieves his goal, he won’t just be breaking records—he’ll be cementing his name in the UFC Hall of Fame. His journey, marked by iron discipline and an unquenchable thirst for victory, is already inspiring a new generation of fighters. Yet, behind this ambition lies a question: how far can he push his body and mind?
At 35, the average retirement age in MMA, Makhachev knows he must make the most of every moment. His next fight against Prates could well be a turning point in his career. A win, and he’ll edge closer to immortality. A loss, and the path to 20 wins will become even tougher. Either way, one thing is certain: Makhachev isn’t stopping anytime soon.
With a 17-fight win streak and boundless ambition, Islam Makhachev is poised to write one of the greatest chapters in UFC history. His goal? Reach 20 wins before retiring. A challenge that, if met, will make him an undisputed legend of mixed martial arts.