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Khabib Nurmagomedov has some big praise for Islam Makhachev in the aftermath of UFC 330.

Makhachev was in search of history this past Saturday in Philadelphia. The king of the welterweight division had his first successful 170-pound title defense, and broke a UFC record for most consecutive wins. Makhachev utilized his grappling and had success in the standup against Ian Machado Garry to fight his way to a unanimous decision.

Nurmagomedov was the main voice in Makhachev's corner on fight night, and he hopped on Instagram to share the utmost praise for his longtime friend and protege.

“There's a word: Achievement,†Nurmagomedov wrote. “In sports, it means a lot, and Islam and ‘achievement' are synonyms. He has reached the pinnacle of this sport, broken the record for the longest winning streak in UFC history, and is rightfully considered one of the best athletes to ever step into the Octagon. May the Almighty keep you safe, Brother.â€

Prior to Saturday's big UFC on Paramount+ event, longtime color commentator Joe Rogan said he wouldn't be surprised if Makhahcev were to retire with a win over Garry, but the 170-pound ruler doesn't plan to wrap things up just yet. Makhachev will be taking some time to heal up following a hard-fought win over Garry, but he wants to fight again prior to Ramadan.

Top welterweight contenders Carlos Prates and Michael Morales were in attendance for UFC 330. Makhachev has said he believes Prates is ahead of Morales on the pecking order. The champion believes Morales has been too inactive and needs to at least win a No. 1 contender fight.

As for Garry, he issued a video statement on his Instagram page. “The Future†claimed to have taken Makhachev to the wire, and he still believes he can become a UFC titleholder.

Who should be the next challenger for Islam Makhachev's UFC welterweight title? Join in on the conversation in the comments below.

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Islam Makhachev set a new UFC record for the most consecutive wins this past Saturday, and Dana White wonders if the new mark will ever be broken.

Makhachev earned his 17th consecutive victory when he earned a unanimous decision over Ian Machado Garry in his first welterweight title defense. Makhachev broke UFC Hall of Famer Anderson Silva's previous winning streak record, and many believe he has a good chance of increasing that number significantly.

Speaking to reporters during the UFC 330 post-fight presser, White said he may never see a fighter break Makhachev's record (h/t MMAJunkie).

“If he keeps going like he says he's going to keep going, I mean, it might never be beaten, at least while I'm alive,†White said. “So it's very impressive what he did. And again, my thoughts on how Ian performed tonight, so like I said, you can flip that whole script and then drop it on Islam on how impressively he beat a big, strong, rangy guy who was doing damn good work. Islam did everything he needed to do to beat this guy. Like I said, there's weight classes for a reason, and tonight's matchup was a perfect example of that.â€

White has been critical of Garry's efforts at UFC 330. While the UFC boss believes Garry is talented, he thinks “The Future†lacked killer instinct in the final stanza. He also admitted Garry's respectful gestures in the last stages of the fight drove him nuts.

Makhachev isn't sure exactly when he'll back inside the Octagon, but he does intend to be back before Ramadan. If the UFC welterweight titleholder can avoid any injury setbacks, he'll likely compete again by January 2027.

Do you think Islam Makhachev will continue extending his record until he eventually retires, or will someone solve the puzzle? Let us know your opinion below.

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Islam Makhachev believes Ian Machado Garry could've toned down all the hugging during the UFC 330 main event.

Makhachev put the welterweight title at stake against Garry this past Saturday in Philadelphia. Makhachev held Garry up against the fence throughout the opening frame before dropping the challenger with a head kick during the second stanza. Garry had his strongest showing in the third round, but Makhachev regained control in rounds four and five with his grappling to secure the unanimous decision victory.

Garry often had moments where he showed respect for the 170-pound champion, daping him up and even hugging the surefire future UFC Hall of Famer. During the UFC 330 post-fight press conference, Makhachev admitted he felt the gestures were a bit over the top (via MMAFighting).

“Honestly, I don't understand,†Makhachev said. “This is a fight. This is not something we have to hug each other every round. We're going to war. We're going to break the face, to break the eye. I respect all my opponents. But [maybe he's young]. He respects too much. “I respect him. He's a good guy. Very kind. But this is a war. Look at my face. I just come to beat everything. It's not something you have to play. This is a fight. This is not a game.â€

Garry has said that his goal of becoming a UFC champion remains, and he believes there is plenty of time to fulfill his goal. For now, the Irish star will need to readjust before stepping back inside the Octagon. As for Makhachev, he has two eager contenders waiting for him in Carlos Prates and Michael Morales.

Makhachev will have some time to rest after earning his first successful welterweight title defense, but he plans to return before Ramadan. That would mean his next fight would be in January 2027 at the latest.

Did you find Ian Machado Garry's show of respect to be overbearing during the UFC 330 main event? Let us know what you thought in the comments below.

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