Islam Makhachev Says He Has at Least Three Fights Left in UFC Career
UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, 34, has revealed that he plans to fight at least three more times before retiring from MMA. Speaking to reporters in Dagestan after his recent victory over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in Philadelphia, Makhachev said, "I think I have at least three more spectacular and very tough fights for me." He cited the depth of contenders in his division as the reason for the demanding schedule ahead.
Makhachev, who holds a 29-1 MMA record (18-1 in the UFC), recently set the longest win streak in UFC history with 17 consecutive victories. He is also a two-division champion and currently ranks as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Despite speculation that he might follow teammate Khabib Nurmagomedov and retire undefeated, Makhachev made it clear he is not done yet.
Chasing Records and Acknowledging Challenges
When asked about his accomplishments, Makhachev downplayed the idea that his win streak is untouchable. "No record is unbreakable," he said. "There are fighters out there who are getting closer; they have 10 or more wins [in a row]." He also reflected on the difficulty of chasing the record for most title fights, a mark currently held by Jon Jones, who won his first title in his third or fourth professional fight. Makhachev noted that he needed 10 fights before earning his first title shot, making that particular record harder to reach.
"I don't know, maybe the title fights record?" Makhachev said. "But it's a hard one to beat. I had 10 fights before my first title fight." He added that while he is focused on retaining his welterweight belt, he remains uncertain which records he might eventually break.
Dana White's Take on Makhachev's Legacy
UFC CEO Dana White has weighed in on Makhachev's potential legacy. After Makhachev's win over Garry, White suggested that if Makhachev wins three more fights to reach 20 victories, the debate over the pound-for-pound best would be "officially dead." White also remarked that Makhachev's record "might never be beaten, at least while I'm alive," and noted that without a single loss, the case for Makhachev as the greatest of all time would be "almost a no-brainer." White concluded, "You just let this guy's career play out."
What's Next for Makhachev?
The UFC has not officially announced Makhachev's next opponent, but reports indicate that Carlos Prates is the likely challenger. The fight could take place either later this year or early next year. While nothing is confirmed, Prates appears to be the frontrunner for the title shot.
Makhachev, who has been champion during a four-year stretch across two divisions, acknowledged the pressure that comes with his status. However, he remains focused on the challenges ahead, saying, "There are very good title contenders in my division, so I have at least three more very hard and exciting fights waiting for me."