“I Don’t Think Anybody’s Going to Break This”: Islam Makhachev Targets a Legendary UFC Record

Makhachev has been undefeated in the UFC for almost a decade now. He defended his lightweight belt four times, becoming the first champion in the division to do it. 

Carrying a 16-fight win streak tied to Anderson Silva, ‌Khabib’s protégé enters his 17th fight against ‌Ireland’s Ian Garry. Makhachev, who is certain of winning, stated that he would set a record that will be difficult to break in UFC history. 

Islam Makhachev Targets 20-Fight Win Streak 

Islam Makhachev will fight Ian Garry at UFC 330 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. Ahead of his title defense, the Dagestani sat with TMZSports. 

When asked what records or personal goals he's still chasing, Islam's answer skipped past the obvious milestones entirely. He's already broken most of them. 

"I think we beat all records already. That's why we have to maybe make the 20 title and 20 win streak, it's going to be good enough if we make 20. Now I have 17, 16, but if it's going to be 20, I think no one is going to beat this record," Makhachev said. 

If Makhachev sets this record, it will take years for another UFC fighter to break it. However, he must first get through Garry. 

UFC 330: Makhachev vs. Garry

Makhachev won the welterweight title from Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in November 2025. Meanwhile, Garry is riding a two-fight win streak, with victories over Belal Muhammad and Carlos Prates. 

The Irishman is a slick striker with excellent footwork. Garry does both: he presses his opponent and can fight on the back foot when necessary.

He also has ‌good takedown defense, which he used effectively against two of the finest wrestlers in the division, Shavkat and Belal.

While Garry has a 4-inch reach advantage, Makhachev's pressure is on a different level than that of the Irishman’s past opponents.

Also, Makhachev's striking ability has improved drastically over the years, and he frequently catches opponents with counters. When the opponent attempts to put Makhachev under pressure, Makhachev makes a double-leg takedown look easy. 

And if the fight goes to the mat, Makhachev can take Garry into deep water. All in all, it is a strong grappler vs. sleek striker matchup that can go either side. Thus, the wait for Saturday will be worth it.