Islam Makhachev is gearing up for a welterweight title defense at UFC 330 on August 15, and if he pulls off the win against Ian Garry, he’s not just holding onto his belt; he’s about to shatter the record for the longest win streak in Octagon history. That’s a massive moment, and UFC Hall of Famer and former heavyweight champ Cain Velasquez is absolutely buzzing about what Makhachev is bringing to the cage.
Makhachev’s Dominance Is No Accident, Says Velasquez
Velasquez didn’t mince words when talking about Makhachev, calling him an “extraordinary athlete” who has “reached the pinnacle of the sport.” That’s high praise from someone who’s been there, done that, and literally worn the gold. Velasquez knows firsthand the kind of grind it takes, and he’s heard straight from their shared coach, Javier Mendez, that the UFC welterweight kingpin is a relentless worker in the gym. Seriously, how often do you get that kind of endorsement from a legend? Velasquez told Red Corner MMA, “He’s one of the guys at the pinnacle of this sport… I see Islam continuing to do what he’s been doing, and that’s winning impressively. He’s somebody who has mastered all aspects of MMA.” It’s not just hype; it’s a deep understanding of what makes a champion tick.
The AKA Blueprint: Building Champions With Javier Mendez
If anyone knows what Javier Mendez can do for a fighter, it’s Cain Velasquez. Mendez honed Velasquez into a champion, and Velasquez believes Makhachev is in the best hands possible with the American Kickboxing Academy coach. AKA has a legendary track record, with Velasquez himself being the flagbearer before names like Daniel Cormier, Luke Rockhold, and Khabib Nurmagomedov all won UFC gold. Makhachev is the latest powerhouse to bring a UFC championship back to that gym, continuing a legacy of absolute dominance. Makhachev’s record speaks for itself: he’s 28-1 overall and hasn’t lost in 16 straight UFC outings since his only professional defeat way back in 2015. He already made history defending the lightweight title four times, the most ever in that division, before moving up to welterweight and completely owning Jack Della Maddalena to snag that 170-pound title.
Now, all eyes are on the Xfinity Mobile Center in Philadelphia for UFC 330. Makhachev takes on Ian Garry, who also boasts a strong 17-1 record. If Makhachev gets this done, he’s not just adding another win; he’s writing himself into the UFC record books for good. You do not want to miss this.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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