Islam Makhachev Enters GOAT Conversation After UFC 330 Triumph, According to Renowned Coach

Islam Makhachev, already widely recognized as the top pound-for-pound fighter in MMA, has now entered the debate for the greatest of all time, according to his long-time coach, Javier Mendez.

Makhachev not only successfully defended his welterweight title for the first time at UFC 330, but he also made history by surpassing Anderson Silva's record for the most consecutive wins in the UFC with his 17th victory. His unanimous decision win over Ian Machado Garry in Philadelphia solidified this remarkable achievement.

Speaking to Parimatch Online Casino, Mendez expressed his belief that this new record firmly places Makhachev in the GOAT conversation. He highlighted the immense difficulty of maintaining such a winning streak and praised Makhachev's ability to break this significant milestone, in addition to already holding the record for lightweight title defenses.

"For us, the Anderson Silva record, 17 consecutive wins in the UFC, that’s a milestone. That’s very difficult to maintain, and I think it was fantastic that Islam has been able to break that," Mendez stated. "Already he broke the lightweight title defenses (record), and I’m sure if I look at all the records, Islam probably has a lot of records. But that one in particular, this is the one. This is the one that I feel put him in the GOAT picture."

Despite already cementing his legacy, Makhachev remains active and eager to compete again before Ramadan. Potential future opponents for his welterweight title include Carlos Prates, a popular contender, and the undefeated Michael Morales. Makhachev has voiced his preference for Prates, suggesting that Morales needs another significant win to earn his championship opportunity. Ultimately, the decision will rest with the UFC management, but Makhachev's strong influence could play a role in shaping the next title fight.

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English Translation:

Islam Makhachev, already widely recognized as the top pound-for-pound fighter in MMA, has now entered the debate for the greatest of all time, according to his long-time coach, Javier Mendez.

Makhachev not only successfully defended his welterweight title for the first time at UFC 330, but he also made history by surpassing Anderson Silva's record for the most consecutive wins in the UFC with his 17th victory. His unanimous decision win over Ian Machado Garry in Philadelphia solidified this remarkable achievement.

Speaking to Parimatch Online Casino, Mendez expressed his belief that this new record firmly places Makhachev in the GOAT conversation. He highlighted the immense difficulty of maintaining such a winning streak and praised Makhachev's ability to break this significant milestone, in addition to already holding the record for lightweight title defenses.

"For us, the Anderson Silva record, 17 consecutive wins in the UFC, that’s a milestone. That’s very difficult to maintain, and I think it was fantastic that Islam has been able to break that," Mendez stated. "Already he broke the lightweight title defenses (record), and I’m sure if I look at all the records, Islam probably has a lot of records. But that one in particular, this is the one. This is the one that I feel put him in the GOAT picture."

Despite already cementing his legacy, Makhachev remains active and eager to compete again before Ramadan. Potential future opponents for his welterweight title include Carlos Prates, a popular contender, and the undefeated Michael Morales. Makhachev has voiced his preference for Prates, suggesting that Morales needs another significant win to earn his championship opportunity. Ultimately, the decision will rest with the UFC management, but Makhachev's strong influence could play a role in shaping the next title fight.