Several storylines remained consistent throughout 2024. One of the biggest was the debate over who is the #1 P4P fighter in MMA today.
Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) defends his title in a rematch against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311, January 18, from Intuit Dome. The biggest instigator and deterrent of the Pound-for-Pound debate has been UFC CEO Dana White. But even brass and White cannot deny the reckoning Makhachev has been. Here's a look into the top 3 records he can achieve all through 2025.
3. Champion Islam Makhachev breaks lightweight title defense record at UFC 311
In 2024, Islam Makhachev became the fourth lightweight champion to make three title defenses in a row by winning at the UFC 302 PPV. Khabib Nurmagomedov, Benson Henderson, and B.J. Penn have all achieved this feat. At 2025's earliest PPV offering (UFC 311), Makhachev's fourth victory in UFC lightweight competition takes a step further.
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Islam Makhachev can break title defense record at UFC 311 (Source: nypost.com/es.agfight.com)So, this one is no big doozy. It's just a matter of him winning. Before this, Makhachev submitted veteran lightweight Dustin Poirier via last-round submission (D'Arce choke) - at 2:42 mark in June 2024. Before that, he fought former top Pound-for-pound/UFC 145-pound king Alexander Volkanovski in his bid for a double championship.
2. Islam Makhachev breaks Anderson Silva's record of 16 consecutive wins throughout 2025
Makhachev's only loss came early in his career, a KO by Adriano Martins in October 2015. Since then, he has gone on a 14-fight winning streak and made three title bids. At UFC 302, the prized pupil outdid legendary lightweight Khabib Nurmagomedov's record [13]. Islam Makhachev's 14-fight UFC winning streak is the longest active streak.
Islam Makhachev can get the most consecutive wins record in 2025 (Source: heavy.com/X)But, Anderson Silva's record of 16 consecutive UFC victories is something he can touch on this year. Both the Dagestani and Kamaru Usman have edged near to that stat. Fighting at UFC 311, Makhachev is already out before the Ramadan phase. So, there's a high chance he could return twice more throughout 2025. That'd be a truly wild record to break in this season.
1. Islam Makhachev can become a champ-champ
While not so unique, it's an exclusive club. After 2024, many are considering UFC 145-pound champ Ilia Topuria to be able to achieve a second gold. But Islam Makhachev is no easy game either. If he hydrates to welterweight limits, he can be quite the performative brawler.
The Dagestani could become a double-champ in 2025 as well (Source: superlutas.com.br/YT)Makhachev can outbox as fast as he can scramble for a lean-in. While wrestle-heavy, he showcases true P4P worth. The Team Eagles MMA fighter also has a natural hydration limit of around 192 lbs. So, this shift could see him becoming the first ever lightweight and welterweight simultaneous double champion.
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Dibaas is an avid combat sports enthusiast and an MMA writer at FirstSportz. His knack of the sport started early, ranging as far back as UFC 81: Breaking Point; the first match watched. Barring a few years in the middle, he got back in the fold watching the rise of the likes of Conor McGregor, Kamaru Usman, and others... He also happens to be in the habit of writing, wherein his interests collide. He loves to report on anything and everything within the combat sports bubble. He has helped in freelance social redesign and rebranding for a few Instagram businesses, as well as digital/manual art restoration. He has a year of experience as Community service Associate, 4+ years of experience as a freelance content writer, and a year of experience in target-oriented writing. Currently, he delves into topics of MMA, Boxing, and Kickboxing to the best of his ability and share it with a dedicated audience.