UFC icon Anderson Silva has expressed his delight at the prospect of Islam Makhachev surpassing his long-standing record of 16 consecutive victories within the promotion.
Islam Makhachev is widely regarded as one of mixed martial arts’ premier fighters, with many considering him a potential all-time great. Despite an already impressive list of career achievements, significant anticipation surrounds what the 34-year-old might accomplish next, especially as he contemplates competing at 170 pounds.
Having established himself as a dominant and well-rounded champion, Makhachev is on the verge of making UFC history. Should he win his next fight, he will become the first fighter in the promotion’s history to achieve 17 consecutive victories, thereby breaking Anderson Silva’s previously held record.
In a recent interview, Anderson Silva shared his thoughts on Islam Makhachev’s rise to prominence and also touched upon his own current level of interest in the sport of MMA.
Silva on Makhachev Breaking His Record
“Anything is possible,” Silva commented. “I would be happy if someone breaks this record, and in the future, new generations will continue to break it repeatedly. This presents a great challenge for everyone. However, I don’t believe fighters actively focus on ‘I’m going to break this record, I’m going to break that record.’ I think people are simply focused on their work, and then, suddenly, they realize, ‘Oh my God! Really? Yes, you broke the record! Oh, okay. That’s great!'”
Silva further elaborated on his personal viewing habits: “I dedicated my whole life to watching MMA, both as a student analyzing my opponents and observing movements to improve my own technique. Now, personally, I no longer watch it. Once my MMA career concluded, I stopped watching because I no longer needed to study; I’m not fighting MMA anymore. Years ago, when I began my career, I spent every single day watching and studying MMA fights. I’m finished with that.”
The mixed martial arts world is now poised to witness a potentially historic moment at the sport’s pinnacle.