Makhachev Sets UFC Record With Win Over Garry

Islam Makhachev secured his 17th consecutive victory in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) on December 7, 2024, defeating Ian Machado Garry to claim the welterweight title. This win established a new UFC record for consecutive victories, surpassing previous benchmarks set by fighters like Anderson Silva and Kamaru Usman. The bout, held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, was a highly anticipated clash between two prominent figures in the lightweight and welterweight divisions, respectively. Makhachev, the reigning UFC Lightweight Champion, moved up to challenge the undefeated Machado Garry, who had been on a significant winning streak himself. The fight went the full five rounds, with Makhachev ultimately prevailing by unanimous decision, with judges scoring the bout 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47 in his favor. This victory not only extended Makhachev's impressive win streak but also solidified his status as one of the pound-for-pound best fighters in the sport. Machado Garry, who entered the fight with a professional record of 14-0, suffered his first career loss. The fight was characterized by Makhachev's relentless pressure and grappling, while Machado Garry showcased moments of striking prowess. The welterweight division, previously dominated by Leon Edwards, now faces a new dynamic with Makhachev's potential presence. UFC President Dana White commented on the significance of Makhachev's achievement, noting the difficulty of maintaining such a long winning streak in the highly competitive UFC environment. Makhachev's previous victories include defenses of his lightweight title against top contenders such as Charles Oliveira and Dustin Poirier. His consistent performance and ability to adapt to different fighting styles have been key to his sustained success. The record-setting nature of this win underscores Makhachev's dominance and his place in UFC history. The event also featured several other notable matchups, contributing to a stacked fight card that drew significant viewership. The performance against Machado Garry demonstrated Makhachev's capability to compete and win against elite welterweight talent, raising questions about his future in both the lightweight and welterweight divisions. The unanimous decision outcome reflected Makhachev's control throughout the majority of the contest, despite Machado Garry's efforts to mount a comeback in certain rounds. This victory marks a significant milestone in Makhachev's career and sets a new standard for sustained excellence within the UFC.