Islam Makhachev predicts a fighter will be the UFC champion after his retirement.

Makhachev celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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Islam Makhachev still has important challenges ahead in the UFC, but the welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg) is already starting to think about what the division's landscape will be like when he decides to hang up his gloves. After extending his winning streak to 17 by defeating Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in August, the Russian pointed to a name that, in his view, has the potential to take over the category's leading role in the future.

In an interview on the Instagram page 'Ushatayka', available last Sunday (13), Makhachev spoke about the future of one of the main names in the category and highlighted youth as one of the factors to believe in a possible conquest of the belt after his departure. Despite the comment, Khabib Nurmagomedov 's partner has already made clear his plans for the next challenges.

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"I think he ( Ian Machado Garry ) will be champion after I leave. He's still young, 28 years old, he still has time," said Islam Makhachev.

Before even thinking about leaving the sport, however, Makhachev still has ambitious plans within the UFC. After relinquishing the lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg) and moving up a weight class, the Russian won the welterweight title and has already defended the belt for the first time, further consolidating his dominance in the organization.

Garry's career in MMA

Ian Garry promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

At 28 years old, Ian Machado Garry is considered one of the top names in the UFC welterweight division. A professional since 2019, the Irishman boasts a record of 17 wins and two losses, notably with seven knockout victories and one submission win. His most notable career achievements include wins over names like Belal Muhammad , Carlos Prates , and Michael Page.

The trajectory of Islam Makhachev

Makhachev promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

At 34 years old, Makhachev is one of the top names in the UFC and currently the organization's welterweight champion. The Russian has a professional record of 29 wins and one loss, with five wins by knockout and 13 by submission, numbers that highlight his dominance in grappling and his evolution in striking.

Former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has built one of the most dominant careers in the event's recent history. He has victories over names like Charles Oliveira , Dustin Poirier , Alexander Volkanovski , and Ian Machado Garry , and maintains a long winning streak in the organization, with 17 consecutive wins.

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