TLDR
- Islam Makhachev set a new UFC record with 17 consecutive wins after defeating Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330
- Makhachev says Jon Jones’ 20-fight unbeaten streak shouldn’t count in full due to two failed drug tests
- Jones’ victory over Daniel Cormier at UFC 214 was overturned to a no contest after a failed drug test
- Makhachev himself failed a drug test in 2016, which UFC officials later called a major mistake
- Makhachev acknowledged Jones as one of the strongest fighters ever but questions how his streak should be counted
Sources: sports.yahoo.com | timesofindia.indiatimes.com | timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Islam Makhachev has reignited the UFC’s greatest-of-all-time debate by challenging whether Jon Jones’ historic unbeaten streak should be counted in full. The reigning welterweight champion made the comments after setting his own UFC record with 17 straight wins.
Makhachev defeated Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 to break Anderson Silva’s previous record of 16 consecutive victories. The win has pushed him deeper into the GOAT conversation and prompted him to address how Jones’ record should be viewed.
Jones has gone 20 straight fights without a loss since 2009. His run includes victories over some of the biggest names in UFC history and helped establish him as one of the sport’s most celebrated fighters.
The UFC 214 Controversy
The core issue centers on UFC 214, where Jones originally defeated Daniel Cormier by knockout in their rematch. The result was later overturned to a no contest after Jones failed a drug test.
đłđ Islam Makhachev does NOT consider Yaroslav Amosov a dangerous opponent, and says Ian Garry will be champion once he retires:
âI donât think [Amosov] is a dangerous opponent, I already saw his fight where someone stopped his wrestling.
I consider one of the most dangerous⊠pic.twitter.com/6ZrPGt5gIJ
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) September 13, 2026
“I’m not denying that Jon Jones is one of the greatest athletes in history,” Makhachev said. “But he was caught doping twice, and I think that’s why his streak isn’t considered valid.”
Makhachev argued that Jones’ drug test failure should have reset his streak count. “Because he went into a fight while on PEDs and won. That’s where a new count should have started,” he explained.
The statement raises questions about how victories should be weighted when later circumstances change the official result. Makhachev believes wins achieved with banned substances should not carry the same value as clean victories.
Makhachev’s Own Drug Test History
Makhachev’s criticism carries its own complications. In 2016, he failed a drug test himself.
UFC senior vice president of anti-doping compliance Jeff Novitzky later described the case as a major mistake. Novitzky made the comment when recognizing Makhachev for reaching 50 clean tests under the UFC’s anti-doping program in 2024.
Fans have already begun questioning whether Makhachev can fairly challenge Jones’ record given his own testing history. Others argue the two situations should be viewed separately based on Makhachev’s subsequent clean testing record.
Makhachev stopped short of completely dismissing Jones as an all-time great. “Still, he’s still one of the strongest ever. Maybe even the strongest, I don’t know,” he said.
“I don’t know. I won’t name just one person. There are many, many strong ones,” Makhachev added.
Makhachev’s position focuses on how Jones’ unbeaten run should be counted rather than denying his overall greatness. The distinction centers on whether every fight result should carry equal weight in historical records.
Makhachev built his career through dominant performances at lightweight before moving to welterweight. He now holds championships in both divisions.
Jones’ overall body of work includes victories across multiple eras of UFC competition. His 20-fight unbeaten streak began in 2009 and spans more than a decade.
The fan reaction to Makhachev’s comments appears divided. Some supporters agree that victories achieved with banned substances should be viewed differently, while others believe Jones’ complete record outweighs the controversy.
Makhachev now holds 17 straight UFC wins and two championship belts. His record-breaking streak has made his résumé increasingly difficult to ignore in GOAT discussions.
