The remarkable and popular Islam Makhachev isn’t hanging up his gloves any time soon.
The Welterweight Champion spoke to Ushatayka (Ушатайка), a large Russian-language combat-sports media channel upon his return to Russia.
When asked about his recent victory over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330, Makhachev confessed Garry was more of a challenge then he thought.
“The main thing is the win but I planned and thought it would be easier. 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,” he said.
Makhachev’s MMA record is now 29 wins, 1 loss, 0 draws. He is currently on a 17-fight winning streak, the longest ever in UFC history.
That record weighs heavily on Makhachev’s mind as he moves forward.
“There are fighters out there, not exactly breathing down my neck, but there are those that already have 10 (consecutive) wins. I don’t know, maybe the title fights record? Though the record for title fights is quite large. I fought 10 bouts before getting the title while the record holder fought for the title in his third or fourth fight,” he said.
Record or not, Makhachev is not taking his foot off the gas any time soon.
“I don’t know what records will come next but 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.
Makhachev does not have an officially announced next opponent but Carlos Prates appears to be the leading candidate.
