Islam Makhachev Sets UFC Lightweight Title Defense Record

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

UFC 311: Islam Makhachev’s Title Fight Win

When Makhachev made the walk 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.

When he stepped into the cage at Intuit Dome, Makhachev stared across the canvas at Renato Moicano, a man who replaced Makhachev’s original opponent, Arman Tsarukyan, on weigh-in day.

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

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

UFC 311: Islam Makhachev Can Tie Anderson Siva’s Record

Makhachev already holds the record for most consecutive wins with 14. However, his winning streak is really 15 in a row because of a February 2022 catchweight win over Bobby Green at 160 pounds. That means Makhachev is one win away from tying all-time UFC great Anderson Silva’s record of 16 straight victories.

Silva, went unbeaten from his UFC debut, a June 2006 knockout of Chris Leben through July 2013 when Chris Weidman knocked him out to take Silva’s UFC middleweight crown.

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

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

UFC 311: Islam Makhachev’s UFC Records

Makhachev is first in UFC lightweight history with a significant striking accuracy of 59.5 percent.

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

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

Makhachev is fourth in UFC lightweight history in top position time of 1:08:42.

Makhachev is tied for fourth in UFC lightweight history with 10 finishes.

Makhachev is fifth in UFC lightweight history in lowest strikes absorbed per minute at 1.53.

Makhachev is tied for sixth in UFC lightweight history with 15 wins.

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

Makhachev is ninth in UFC lightweight history with top position percentage of 40.4 percent.

Makhachev is tenth in UFC lightweight history with a takedown accuracy of 53.7 percent.

Islam Makhachev Betting Favorite To End 2025 As UFC Lightweight Champ

UFC 311: Dana White Says Islam Makhachev Deserves No. 1 Ranking

The 33-year-old Makhachev is the No. 1 ranked fighter in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings, something UFC CEO Dana White acknowledged Makhachev deserves following UFC 311.

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

“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 that division.”

Following his win, Makhachev did not speculate who he would face next, only that he was willing to face whoever can make the 155-pound weight limit.