Russian mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Islam Makhachev spoke about his winning streak at a press conference ahead of UFC 330, reports infohub.kz.
The 34-year-old athlete is set to defend the promotion's welterweight title (up to 77.1 kg) for the first time. His opponent will be Ireland's Ian Machado Garry, the division's number one contender. If Makhachev emerges victorious, he will set a UFC record for the longest winning streak. Currently, it stands at 16 fights, matching the mark set by Brazil's Anderson Silva.
"Seventeen in a row won't be enough. I'll make sure no one breaks that record. It will be 20, at least. So I plan to keep fighting and breaking records. Ian is a good fighter, but I don't see anything special in him. I've beaten many good strikers, that's all. He's just another opponent. He has nothing special to defend against my wrestling," Makhachev stated.
Garry, in response, has repeatedly spoken highly of his opponent. He called his fight against Makhachev the biggest in mixed martial arts in 2026.
"On Sunday, the belt will be around my waist. Master of manipulation is what it's called. Movement at the highest level. I move, I pick my shots, I set up my opponent. Then I take my time, choose the right strikes. Islam is a phenomenal talent. You can't earn that level of respect and go on such a streak purely on luck. It's all skill. I respect his abilities, his achievements in the sport. I'm proud to face such a fighter and prove that I am a champion. It's an honor, and I'm fired up!" Garry said.
The bout between the Russian and the Irishman will headline UFC 330 in Philadelphia. The fight is scheduled to start no earlier than 08:00 Kazakhstan time on August 16. In the co-main event, Brazil's Mackenzie Dern will make her first title defense in the strawweight division (up to 52.2 kg) against Canada's Gillian Robertson.