islam Makhachev Claims 170-Pound Title, Extends UFC Win Streak to 16
New York, NY – Islam Makhachev defeated Justinโ Gaethjeโ via first-roundโฃ head-kick knockout at UFC 322 on Saturday night at Madison โขSquare Garden, becoming the new UFC welterweight champion and tying anderson Silva’s record for โthe longestโค winning streak in UFC history with 16 โขconsecutive victories. The fight concluded at 3:23 of โขthe first round.
Makhachev’s dominant performance solidifies his status as one of the sport’s โmost formidable fighters and marksโค a significant shift in theโฃ welterweight division.The Dagestani fighter, previously theโฃ lightweight champion, moved up in weight to challenge Gaethje, a notoriously dangerousโ striker. This victory makes makhachev a two-division champion andโฃ sets the stage for โขpotential super fights against other top contenders.
“I want to sayโ thank you to Justin, he’s a very tough opponent,” Makhachev said inside โขthe cage after the win. “Now, Iโข am the champion. I will defend my title.”
Gaethje, known for his aggressive styleโข and powerful striking, was unable to withstand Makhachev’s relentless pressure and precise striking. Theโฃ knockout came after a series of feints โขand a perfectly timedโ head kick that landed flush on Gaethje’s โchin.
Makhachev (25-1) had previously held the lightweight โtitle, defending it against Alexander Volkanovski and Dustin Poirier. His move โฃto welterweight was seen as a bold step, and โขhis victory proves hisโ adaptability and skill. โค
The win ties makhachev withโ Andersonโข Silva for the longest winning streak inโ UFC history. Silva achieved his 16-fight streak between 2005 and 2013.
AP โฃsports: https://apnews.com/sports
