Islam Makhachev says UFC 330 will not be his last walk to the Octagon, even with a win over Ian Machado Garry putting him alone atop one of the UFC’s biggest record lists.
The welterweight champion was asked directly about retirement before Saturday’s title defense in Philadelphia. Makhachev shut the idea down, then pointed to the same motivation that carried him through a lightweight title reign and into a second UFC belt.
“No, no, no, I told you, I’d like to be UFC champion and we will still, still going.”
Makhachev Says Health, Not Age, Drives His Timeline
Makhachev is 34, but he rejected the idea that a fixed age will decide when he leaves the sport. His answer was centered on how his body feels and whether championship life still pushes him into camp.
“It’s not about numbers, about age, it’s about your health, how you feel. That’s why I feel great. No injuries. I still enjoy the sports, you know. That’s why we will fight again. You will see me many more times.”
The answer pushes back on Joe Rogan’s recent theory that Makhachev could follow Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s path and step away after a dominant UFC 330 performance. Makhachev instead framed the Garry fight as another step in a longer chase.
That chase includes the UFC consecutive-win record. Makhachev tied Anderson Silva’s mark at 16 when he beat Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title at UFC 322. A win over Garry would move him to 17 straight UFC victories and give him the record outright.
“I think we beat all records already, that’s why we have to maybe make the 20 title and 20 win streak. It’s gonna be good, you know, if we make 20.”
His title defense comes against a 17-1 challenger. Garry has talked confidently throughout fight week, but Makhachev still called him a real contender and credited his striking, wrestling defense, and grappling defense.
A Russia Finish Remains On The List
Makhachev also named one long-term goal that has nothing to do with Garry or the win streak. Whenever the final chapter comes, he wants it to happen in front of a home crowd.
“I love to fight in Russia because it’s my country. Everybody supports me there and everybody wants to watch my fight again in Russia. That’s why I want to also finish my career there.”
UFC 330 takes place Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Makhachev vs. Garry headlines the card, while Dana White has said he wants to see Saturday’s performance before judging Makhachev’s all-time case.
The retirement question now has a clear answer before the opening horn. Makhachev is not presenting UFC 330 as a farewell, and his target has shifted toward a streak that he believes could be almost impossible to catch.
