LAS VEGAS – Islam Makhachev has an opportunity to make history and strengthen his legacy at UFC 330.
Makhachev (28-1 MMA, 17-1 UFC) defends his UFC welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry
(17-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) in Saturday's main event (Paramount+) at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. With a win, Makhachev can break the record for most consecutive wins in UFC history, surpassing Anderson Silva's mark of 16.UFC CEO Dana White knows how big that could be for Makhachev's legacy.
"I don't think about that stuff until the fight happens," White said during a post-fight news conference Tuesday. "When we see his performance on Saturday, let's see how it plays out. But obviously breaking the record, you keep grinding, you keep fighting, you put
your head down and just keep f*cking knocking guys down left and right, and then by the time you say, 'You know what? I'm done.' Then we all figure out where he ends up in the big picture. He's on the right path, that's for sure."
Makhachev holds the record for most UFC lightweight title defenses at four. He vacated his belt to move up to 170 pounds, where he dominated Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 to become a two-division champion.
"He's got all the things there to be the guy," White said. "I think we should talk about this Saturday night after the fight and see what we all think based off his performance on Saturday and breaking the record."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Dana White: Islam Makhachev 'on the right path' to become UFC GOAT
