Islam Makhachev smashed a huge record at UFC 330, extending his Octagon winning streak to an incredible 17 fights and blowing past Anderson Silva’s long-standing mark. That’s a legendary run right there! But don’t let the celebratory fireworks distract you: this champ is dealing with some serious physical fallout after his brutal title defense, and it could throw a wrench into everything.
That Grueling Fight, That Unbelievable Streak, and the Fallout
Listen, Makhachev got the job done against Ian Garry in a five-round war to defend his welterweight title, with the judges scoring it 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47 in his favor. But “getting the job done” barely scratches the surface. Garry absolutely battered the champion, busting him open and giving Makhachev one of his toughest tests yet. Fans were already comparing it to his savage UFC 284 battle with Alexander Volkanovski, and you know what that means: it was a certified slobberknocker.
But that kind of fight comes with a price, and Makhachev is paying it. He just revealed in an interview with Match TV that he picked up some significant damage against Garry. We’re talking multiple MRI scans afterward, and now his focus is all on addressing some spinal issues. He said, “After the fight, I had three MRIs and had my entire spine checked.” Three MRIs! That’s not just a little bump and bruise after a tough night at the office, is it?
The Welterweight Clock Is Ticking
While Makhachev is “working on” these “few small issues” and trying to “strengthen his spine,” saying it’s “nothing serious,” the welterweight division isn’t exactly waiting around. Guys like Carlos Prates and Michael Morales are already lining up for their shot. Prates has even confirmed he signed a new UFC deal and has a guaranteed title shot against Makhachev next.
The champ wants to get back in the cage quickly, aiming to fight before Ramadan, which is expected to begin around February 8, 2027. He told Match TV that “A date before Ramadan would be ideal.” That means the UFC has a super tight window, basically from November 2026 to January 2027, to get this next title defense booked. Prates has already called for a fight at UFC 334 on November 14 at Madison Square Garden. A UFC 335 clash in Las Vegas on December 12 could also make sense, *if* Makhachev gets cleared to compete.
Getting him back in there before Ramadan is key, especially since he typically competes twice a year. An early title defense would keep that pace up and allow him to fight again in late summer or fall 2027. Makhachev has even mentioned considering his age as he looks at the next stage of his career, so staying active while he’s at the top makes a ton of sense. For now, though, all eyes are on his health and when that call from the UFC will finally come.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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