Published 28 days ago
The Russian champion ranks the contenders for his UFC welterweight belt after his win over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330.
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Islam Makhachev, the undisputed UFC welterweight champion, has shared his analysis of the future contenders for his belt after his hard-fought win over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330. The Russian, who matched Anderson Silva’s record with his 17th consecutive victory, sees Garry as a future champion while placing three other fighters on equal footing. Who are these rivals, and why does Makhachev consider them serious threats?
To remember:
- Islam Makhachev calls Ian Machado Garry the future UFC welterweight champion after their fight at UFC 330.
- His win over Garry marks his 17th consecutive victory, breaking Anderson Silva’s record.
- Makhachev ranks Carlos Prates, Michael Morales, and Shavkat Rakhmonov equally among the contenders.
- He believes Yaroslav Amosov does not pose a real threat to his title.
The Russian champion Islam Makhachev has recently shared his take on the future contenders for his UFC welterweight title. After his controversial win over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in August 2024, Makhachev surprised many by naming Garry as the division’s future champion. Despite a lackluster fight, Garry pushed the champion to his limits, forcing Makhachev to dig deep to secure a unanimous decision. This 17th consecutive win for the Russian also broke the record previously held by Anderson Silva, further cementing his dominance in the division.
Makhachev didn’t just praise Garry. He also placed three other fighters on equal footing: Carlos Prates, Michael Morales, and Shavkat Rakhmonov. Each of these athletes brings unique strengths: Prates impresses with his striking, Morales with his versatility, while Rakhmonov stands out for his power and submission skills. According to Makhachev, these three represent the most serious challenges for anyone looking to take his place.
However, the champion has clearly excluded Yaroslav Amosov from this list. Despite his rising star status, Makhachev believes the Ukrainian does not yet pose a real threat to his belt. A statement that may come as a surprise, given Amosov’s impressive performances in recent fights. Is Makhachev right to downplay his impact, or could Amosov disrupt the plans in the coming months?
Makhachev’s analysis sets the tone for the next few months in the UFC welterweight division. With Garry seemingly ready for another title shot and the three other contenders in the mix, the division is shaping up to be more competitive than ever. Who will rise to the occasion and challenge the Russian champion? The answer may come sooner than expected.
With this statement, Islam Makhachev isn’t just defending his belt—he’s already shaping the future of the UFC welterweight division. With Garry, whom he sees as a future champion, and the three other contenders in the mix, the race to succeed him is heating up. The question remains: will Amosov, despite Makhachev’s skepticism, manage to force his way into the conversation? One thing is certain: the welterweight division has never been more exciting.