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Islam Makhachev is the UFC welterweight champion.
UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev was praised as the “GOAT” in mixed martial arts by divisional rival Carlos Prates.
Makhachev was 16-1 in the UFC lightweight division and the reigning, defending 155 lbs champion before vacating his belt last year and moving up in weight to chase a second title. He then defeated Jack Della Maddalena by decision at UFC 322 to become the new UFC welterweight champion. Makhachev’s UFC record now stands at 17-1, including a 16-fight win streak, tied for the most in promotional history alongside the legend, Anderson Silva. The 34-year-old Russian is also the No. 1-ranked pound-for-pound fighter in MMA.
After sitting out the first half of 2026 with a hand injury, Makhachev is now rumored to return at UFC 330, with Ian Machado Garry pegged as a potential opponent.
Speaking of Della Maddalena, he fights one of the division’s top contenders, Prates, this weekend in the main event of UFC Perth. Ahead of the big fight, Prates spoke to the media, and he was asked what he thinks about the champion Makhachev. The Brazilian had nothing but kind words and high praise for the champ.
Carlos Prates calls Islam Makhachev the GOAT right now and praises his two-division dominance 🐐🏆
“Islam is the GOAT right now, he’s a two-weight division champ, really good wrestling, it’s hard to fight him. I didn’t watch much of that [Islam vs JDM] fight, but Islam is really
“Islam is the GOAT right now, he’s a two-weight division champ, really good wrestling, it’s hard to fight him. I didn’t watch much of that (Islam vs. JDM) fight, but Islam is really good,” Prates said.
When Makhachev next steps into the Octagon, he will be chasing history by claiming sole possession of the longest win streak in UFC history with 17 wins in a row. Right now, Makhachev has won 16 straight fights. His only loss in the Octagon came in his second fight back in 2015, when he was knocked out by Adriano Martins. Ever since then, Makhachev has never lost, and he’s won two UFC belts along the way, at 155 lbs and 170 lbs.
Garry figures to be next for Makhachev, and the two have a title fight in the works for UFC 330 in August in Philadelphia. After that, if Makhachev successfully defends his belt, a fight against Michael Morales could be up next, or Prates if he can beat Della Maddalena at UFC Perth. Another popular option is Ilia Topuria, the current UFC lightweight champion, though Makhachev likely still has several other welterweight contenders to beat first before a superfight with Topuria is booked.
Prates has a big opportunity himself this Saturday at UFC Perth when he fights the former champion, Della Maddalena. Prates is 6-1 in the UFC with all six of his wins coming by knockout, and his lone loss coming in a competitive decision to Garry. He is one of the most popular and exciting knockout artists in the UFC right now, and he would be an easy sell for the promotion if they decided to book him for a title fight. Despite losing the UFC welterweight title in his last bout, Della Maddalena is the No. 1 contender in the weight class, so if Prates can beat him, it would put him directly in the mix for the next welterweight title shot after Garry gets his chance.
Adam Martin Adam Martin is a sports journalist with over 15 years of experience. He has a speciality in MMA, while also covering the Big 4 Sports. Adam is currently a contributor to Heavy.com, with previous experience working for The Toronto Star, Sportsnet, theScore, Bookies, BJPenn.com, and MMAOddsbreaker.com. More about Adam Martin
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