TLDR
- Islam Makhachev plans to fight at least three more times before retiring from the UFC
- The champion currently holds a 17-fight winning streak, breaking Anderson Silva’s UFC record
- Makhachev wants to extend his winning streak to 20 before walking away from the sport
- He admitted his recent victory over Ian Machado Garry was harder than expected
- Carlos Prates is the frontrunner for Makhachev’s next welterweight title defense
Sources: mmafighting.com | yardbarker.com | sherdog.com
UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev says he plans to fight at least three more times before retiring from mixed martial arts. The 34-year-old made the announcement at a press conference in Russia after returning home from UFC 330.
Makhachev recently defended his welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry on August 15 in Philadelphia. The victory extended his winning streak to 17 fights, breaking Anderson Silva’s record for the longest winning streak in UFC history.
The Dagestani champion wants to reach a 20-fight winning streak before walking away from the sport. He currently holds UFC records for most lightweight title wins, most lightweight title defenses, and the longest overall win streak.
Champion Admits Fight Was Harder Than Expected
Makhachev told reporters that his bout against Garry proved more difficult than he anticipated. “The main thing is the win, but I planned and thought it would be easier,” he said.
Islam Makhachev teases retirement as he reveals how many fights he has left in legendary career https://t.co/ELpKAqJFsX pic.twitter.com/H7iivQ6NUQ
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) August 26, 2026
The fight drew criticism from fans because Makhachev failed to finish Garry and the bout lacked excitement. Despite the criticism, Makhachev defended his performance by pointing out that opponents are getting stronger.
“Every time it gets harder, because you can say the opponents are stronger, and the weight class is growing,” Makhachev explained. “So I also need to improve even more so that the fights are easier.”
Makhachev acknowledged that other fighters are closing in on his winning streak. He noted that some contenders already have 10 consecutive victories.
Title Fight Record Out of Reach
The champion addressed which records he might still chase during his remaining fights. He believes the record for most title fight wins is likely out of reach.
Makhachev has seven title wins, far behind record holder Jon Jones who has 16. He pointed out that he fought 10 bouts before getting his first title shot, while Jones fought for a title in his third or fourth UFC fight.
“I don’t know what other records there will be for me to chase,” Makhachev said. “In my division there are some very strong title contenders.”
The welterweight division currently has several elite contenders waiting for their shot at the champion. Carlos Prates and Michael Morales both sat cageside at UFC 330, with Morales serving as the backup fighter for the event.
Prates has emerged as the frontrunner for Makhachev’s next title defense. Makhachev has called the matchup deserved, and Prates claims the UFC has already told him the fight is his.
The Brazilian contender has pushed for the bout to headline UFC’s November 14 card at Madison Square Garden. However, the UFC has not made any official announcement about the fight.
Makhachev wants to stay active and fight again before next Ramadan. He expects his final three fights to be grueling tests against the division’s best contenders.
“I think I have at least three more very hard and exciting fights waiting for me,” the champion said. With a current record of 29-1, Makhachev would finish his career at 32-1 if he wins his final three bouts and extends his winning streak to 20.
