Islam Makhachev has built one of the most complete and dominant résumés in modern MMA. From his rise through the Russian Sambo circuit to becoming a two-division UFC champion, Makhachev’s career is a rare mix of consistency, dominance, and technical evolution. Very few fighters in UFC history have put together the type of record he now holds — and even fewer have done it across multiple weight classes.
Whether you’re a new fan or a seasoned fight analyst, here is the full breakdown of Islam Makhachev’s records, titles, achievements, and historical milestones that define his legacy.
Islam Makhachev’s Professional MMA Record
Career Record: 27–1
Islam Makhachev has one of the best winning percentages in UFC history. His lone loss came to Adriano Martins in 2015, via a flash knockout — and he has not been defeated since.
UFC Record: 16–1
Makhachev’s UFC run is historic. He has tied the legendary Anderson Silva with 16 consecutive UFC wins, placing him at the very top of the all-time win-streak list.
Current Win Streak: 16
This streak includes wins over:
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Charles Oliveira
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Alexander Volkanovski (twice)
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Dan Hooker
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Arman Tsarukyan
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Beneil Dariush
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Dustin Poirier
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Jack Della Maddalena
No fighter has beaten him in nearly a decade.
Islam Makhachev’s UFC Titles
Islam Makhachev is one of the rare fighters in UFC history to capture world titles in two different weight classes.
UFC Lightweight Champion (155 lbs)
Makhachev captured his first UFC world title on October 22, 2022, at UFC 280, defeating Charles Oliveira via submission (arm-triangle choke). The performance was dominant from start to finish — and marked the moment he stepped out of Khabib’s shadow and into his own championship identity.
Lightweight Title Defenses
Makhachev defended the belt multiple times:
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vs. Alexander Volkanovski (UFC 284) – Unanimous decision
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vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2 (UFC 294) – KO head kick
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vs. Dustin Poirier (UFC 302) – Submission (D’Arce choke)
Each defense showcased a different layer of his skillset:
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Grappling control
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Striking evolution
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Finishing instincts
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Championship composure
These wins established him as the best lightweight on the planet.
UFC Welterweight Champion (170 lbs)
At UFC 322, Makhachev moved up a division to challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title — and delivered a masterclass.
Result: Islam Makhachev def. Jack Della Maddalena (Unanimous Decision, 50-45)
With that win, Makhachev:
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Became a two-division UFC champion
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Joined an exclusive group including Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, and Henry Cejudo
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Became only the second fighter from the Dagestani lineage to achieve double-champ status
He is one of the very few fighters in UFC history to hold two belts simultaneously.
Islam Makhachev’s Championship Achievements
Islam Makhachev’s title résumé places him among the greatest fighters of all time.
Two-Division Champion (Lightweight & Welterweight)
This achievement alone is rare, and doing it through pure domination makes it even more remarkable.
Most Lightweight Title Defenses (Modern Era)
Makhachev now sits alongside the likes of:
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Khabib Nurmagomedov
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Benson Henderson
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Frankie Edgar
He is considered one of the best lightweights of all time.
Longest Active Win Streak in the UFC (16)
Tied for the all-time UFC record.
Only Fighter to Submit Dustin Poirier with a D’Arce Choke
A highlight submission that showcased his creativity and evolving grappling game.
Multiple Wins Over Pound-for-Pound Fighters
Makhachev’s resume includes dominant victories against:
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Charles Oliveira (sub)
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Alexander Volkanovski (decision + KO)
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Dustin Poirier (sub)
Few champions have defeated so many elite contenders so decisively.
His Sambo Records and Titles
Before joining the UFC, Islam Makhachev was a world-class Combat Sambo athlete — the same discipline that shaped Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Combat Sambo World Champion
He won gold at the 2016 World Sambo Championships, representing Russia.
Multiple National Sambo Titles
Makhachev won multiple Russian national championships, competing against some of the toughest grapplers in the world.
Sambo Record: 70+ wins, only a handful of losses
Though Sambo records aren’t tracked formally like MMA, Makhachev is widely regarded as one of the top combat sambo fighters of the 2010s.
Islam Makhachev’s Most Impressive UFC Records
Here is a summary of Makhachev’s most notable UFC records:
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Tied for the longest win streak in UFC history (16)
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Two-division UFC champion (lightweight + welterweight)
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Multiple title defenses at lightweight
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One of the highest career strike differentials among champions
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One of the highest control-time percentages in lightweight history
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One of the lowest significant-strikes-absorbed rates per minute
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Only KO loss early in career — undefeated for nearly a decade since
Makhachev has turned statistical dominance into championship legacy.
Is Islam Makhachev the Pound-for-Pound #1 Fighter?
Yes — and deservedly so.
With his wins over elite champions across two divisions, Makhachev now sits atop the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings. His blend of:
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World-class grappling
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Elite fight IQ
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Championship composure
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Improving striking
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Physical strength
…makes him one of the most complete fighters the sport has ever seen.
Some analysts already place him top 5 all-time — and if he continues his streak, a top-3 or even #1 GOAT argument may follow.
Final Word: Makhachev’s Legacy Is Still Growing
Islam Makhachev’s records and titles paint the picture of a fighter who continues to redefine greatness:
27–1 career record
16 consecutive UFC wins
Lightweight champion
Welterweight champion
Combat Sambo world champion
And at only 33 years old, he’s far from done.
Every fight he takes now is another chapter in a historic career that could ultimately rival the greatest fighters in MMA history.
