Record-breaking Makhachev vows at least three more title defences after tougher-than-expected UFC 330 win

Islam Makhachev cemented his place as the most dominant fighter in UFC history at UFC 330 earlier this month, defeating Ian Machado Garry to set the record for the most consecutive wins in the promotion’s history — yet the lightweight-turned-welterweight champion is already looking ahead to what comes next.

Speaking to reporters after returning home to Dagestan, Makhachev acknowledged that Garry pushed him harder than anticipated. “The main thing is the win, but I planned and thought it would be easier,” he said. “It’s not that it didn’t go to plan; I just thought it would be a bit easier. But opponents are preparing, too, and every time it gets harder, because you can say the opponents are stronger, and the weight class is growing. So I also need to improve even more so that the fights are easier.”

The victory drew criticism from some observers who felt Makhachev failed to finish Garry and that the contest lacked excitement — a rare blemish on an otherwise imperious record. Despite that, the win places him firmly in Hall of Fame territory, prompting questions about how much longer he intends to compete.

Makhachev, however, showed no signs of contemplating retirement. While he stopped short of naming specific records he wants to chase, he made clear the welterweight division still has plenty to offer him. “In my weight class I have some very good title contenders. I think I have at least three more spectacular and very tough fights for me,” he said.

On the consecutive wins record itself, Makhachev was characteristically measured. “I wouldn’t call it unbreakable by any means. There are fighters out there, not exactly breathing down my neck, but there are those that already have 10 wins in a row,” he noted, adding that the record for title fight appearances remains a more distant target given the circumstances of his own path to the belt.

As for who comes next, Carlos Prates and Michael Morales appear to be the leading contenders. Both were present cageside at UFC 330, with Morales serving as the official backup fighter for the event.