Makhachev targets 20-fight win streak before retirement after breaking Silva's UFC record

Islam Makhachev has set a clear timeline for the end of his career: at least three more fights, a 20-fight winning streak, and then retirement. The UFC welterweight champion made the disclosure at a press conference in Russia following his title defence against Ian Garry at UFC 330, which pushed his winning run to 17 — surpassing Anderson Silva’s long-standing record for the longest winning streak in UFC history.

Makhachev (29-1) has held the welterweight title for seven successful defences, but he is candid about the one record that almost certainly lies beyond his reach. Jon Jones holds the UFC record for most title fight wins with 16, and Makhachev acknowledges the gap is too large to close — partly because he did not receive his first title shot until his eleventh UFC appearance, while Jones challenged for gold as early as his third or fourth fight.

“Well, no record is unbreakable,” Makhachev said. “There are fighters out there who are getting closer… They have 10 or more wins [in a row]. I don’t know… Maybe the title fights record? But it’s a hard one to beat. I had 10 fights before my first title fight, but the one who has this record fought for the title in his third or fourth UFC fight… What I know is there are very good title contenders in my division. So, I think I have at least three more very hard and exciting fights waiting for me.”

The Dagestani double champion is eager to stay active and has indicated he wants to compete again before next Ramadan. His next target is Carlos Prates, whom he has identified as his preferred opponent for his upcoming title defence.

With three fights remaining on his personal roadmap, Makhachev would need to win all of them to reach the 20-fight streak he is chasing — a milestone that would further cement his place among the greatest fighters in UFC history.