And former UFC middleweight champion, Robert Whittaker, has given his take on the fantasy fight, claiming that Makhachev would ‘get it done’. “That’s tricky because GSP has got a good game to fight Makhachev, he’s like a springy karate-esque fighter,” Whittaker said on the MMArcade Podcast.

UFC veteran Nate Diaz has explained why he doesn't consider Islam Makhachev to be the #1 P4P fighter in the sport right now.

Islam Makhachev has tied the UFC record of 16 straight wins after defeating Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision at UFC 322.

UFC veteran urges Kamaru Usman to avoid fighting with UFC champ Islam Makhachev and retire while still at the top.

Islam Makhachev took the UFC's top pound-for-pound spot back from Ilia Topuria after winning the welterweight belt at UFC 322.

Rakhmonov cemented himself as No. 1. contender when he defeated Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310 in December 2024. He was slated to challenge Belal Muhammad for the welterweight title at UFC 315 in May but withdrew due to injury. He has not competed since.

Makhachev already owns the record for most successful UFC lightweight title defenses (four) and he now has the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of legends like Georges St-Pierre, Kamaru Usman, and Matt Hughes, and make a name for himself in the hallowed 170-pound division. He certainly has no shortage of challengers.