Islam Makhachev has set a new Ultimate Fighting Championship record for consecutive wins, reaching 17 victories in a row with his unanimous decision over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in Philadelphia on Saturday.
The Dagestani fighter's victory broke the previous record of 16 consecutive wins held by former middleweight champion Anderson Silva. Makhachev's streak began on October 2, 2021.
Makhachev's strategy typically involves applying pressure that leads to takedowns, followed by grappling dominance. This approach has proven effective throughout his career. In his latest bout, a left high kick from Makhachev in the second round knocked down Machado Garry, opening the frame for the champion.
Machado Garry, a first-time welterweight title challenger, offered a more competitive performance than some of Makhachev's previous opponents. He demonstrated intelligent resistance to Makhachev's game plan and landed strikes in the third and fourth rounds. Despite the challenge, Makhachev secured the win with judges scoring the bout 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47.
The win also marked Makhachev's seventh consecutive championship fight victory, encompassing his lightweight title win, four lightweight title defenses, and his current welterweight title defense.
Throughout his streak, Makhachev has defeated notable opponents, including former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski twice, and top welterweight contender Jack Della Maddalena. He has faced top-20 competition 11 times over the past five years. Makhachev, who will turn 35 in October, shows no signs of slowing down. He typically fights once or twice a year. A hand injury earlier in 2026 may have prevented him from making two title defenses this year.
Makhachev has expressed a desire to reach 20 consecutive wins, potentially by 2028. To achieve this, he will likely need to face and defeat other top contenders in the welterweight division, such as Carlos Prates and Michael Morales, and potentially Shavkat Rakhmonov, who previously defeated Machado Garry. Makhachev's current record stands at 29 wins and 1 loss, with 18 finishes. Machado Garry's record is now 17 wins and 2 losses, with eight finishes.