UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev has broken his mentor and former UFC Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov’s all-time UFC record. Now, Makhachev has established himself as a dominant fighter in the lightweight division. With an incredible 14-fight win streak, he now holds the longest winning streak in the history of the UFC lightweight division. Islam’s most recent win came against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. The latest win not only extended his winning streak to 14 fights, making it the longest active streak on the promotion’s roster, but also surpassed Khabib’s record of 13 consecutive wins. Before retirement, “The Eagle” held the longest winning streak in the lightweight division.
Islam Makhachev is close to breaking all-time record
Makhachev is now also closer to the all-time winning streak across all weight classes, which is currently held by UFC Heavyweight champion Jon Jones. “Bones” is on an 18-fight consecutive win streak. UFC legend Anderson Silva is second with a 16-fight win streak and Kamaru Usman is third with 15 consecutive wins.
Nurmagomedov will definitely be proud that his longest winning streak record in the lightweight division is broken by his pupil, whom he cornered during his win over Poirier and has trained him since his father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov passed away in 2020. He expressed his wish for Makhachev to break all of his records.
Makhachev aims to move to welterweight division
Makhachev has hinted at a possible move to the welterweight division with the aim of capturing a second UFC title. During the UFC 302 post-fight press conference, Makhachev asked, “Who doesn’t want to be a double champion?” referring to his interest in moving up to the welterweight division. He further said, “How many double champions do we have? This is a dream for all fighters to get a second belt.”
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If Makhachev gets successful by capturing another belt, he will join the elite club of double champions, which includes Amanda Nunes, Conor McGregor and Daniel Cormier. Leon Edwards is the current UFC Welterweight Champion and is set for a rematch, which makes Arman Tsarukyan a potential next opponent for Makhachev. Islam has been one of the most active fighters in the UFC, competing eight times and solidifying his status as one of the best lightweight champions. However, his potential move to the welterweight division could delay the clash with Tsarukyan.
