Islam Makhachev sets UFC lightweight title defense record

Ahead of Saturday’s UFC 311 fight card, UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev tied with three other fighters for the most title defenses in UFC lightweight history. Less than five minutes into his bout against the late substitute, Makhachev stood atop the division with five title fight victories. Perhaps more significantly, his submission victory put him one win away from tying all-time great Anderson Silva and tying the longest winning streak in fight promotion history.

UFC 311: Islam Makhachev’s title fight victory

When Makhachev made his way to the Octagon at UFC 311, he was tied with BJ Penn, Benson Henderson and the man who cornered him on Saturday, Khabib Nurmagomedov, with four UFC lightweight title fight wins.

As he entered the cage at the Intuit Dome, Makhachev stared across the screen at Renato Moicano, a man who replaced Makhachev’s original opponent Arman Tsarukyan on the day of the weigh-in.

As expected, Makhachev made quick work of Moicano, submitting his overwhelmed opponent via D’Arce choke at 4:05 of the first round. With the victory, Makhachev tied Penn, Henderson and Nurmagomedov with five wins in the UFC lightweight title fight.

After the win, Makhachev said, “I like this belt… If anyone wants this belt, come to the cage.”

UFC 311: Islam Makhachev can equal Anderson Siva’s record

Makhachev already holds the record for most consecutive wins with 14. However, his winning streak is actually 15 in a row, as he won at catchweight against Bobby Green at 160 pounds in February 2022. That means Makhachev is just one win away from breaking UFC star Anderson Silva’s record of 16 consecutive wins.

Silva remained undefeated from his UFC debut, a knockout of Chris Leben in June 2006, until July 2013, when Chris Weidman knocked him out to claim Silva’s UFC middleweight crown.

Makhachev’s winning streak began with his third UFC fight, a decision victory over Chris Wade in September 2016.

Makhachev went 1-1 in his first two UFC fights, defeating Leo Kuntz in May 2015 and then losing by knockout to Adriano Martins in October 2015.

UFC 311: Islam Makhachev’s UFC records

Makhachev is the first in UFC lightweight history with a remarkable 59.5 percent punching accuracy.

Makhachev is third in UFC lightweight history with eight submission wins.

Makhachev is third in UFC lightweight history with a 90.9 percent takedown defense.

Makhachev is fourth in UFC lightweight history with a best time of 1:08:42.

Makhachev ranks fourth in UFC lightweight history with ten finishes.

Makhachev ranks fifth in UFC lightweight history with 1.53 per minute.

Makhachev ranks sixth in UFC lightweight history with 15 wins.

Makhachev is eighth in UFC lightweight history with a control time of 1:20:21.

Makhachev ranks ninth in UFC lightweight history with a peak share of 40.4 percent.

With a strike accuracy of 53.7 percent, Makhachev ranks tenth in UFC lightweight history.

Islam Makhachev is the favorite to end 2025 as UFC lightweight champion

UFC 311: Dana White says Islam Makhachev deserves No. 1 ranking

The 33-year-old Makhachev is the No. 1 fighter in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings, something Makhachev earned after UFC 311, as acknowledged by UFC CEO Dana White.

“Yeah, I’ll give it to him,” White said at the UFC 311 post-fight press conference. “Are you happy? Is everyone happy now?”

“One hundred percent, there’s no doubt about it,” White added. “He’s the pound-for-pound best in the world, and he’s definitely the best to ever do it in this division.”

After his win, Makhachev did not speculate on who he would face next, only that he would be willing to fight anyone who can make the 155-pound weight limit.