UFC Legend Bursts ‘Mythical Bubble’ Around Islam Makhachev’s Invincibility

Retired UFC fighter Urijah Faber talks about Islam Makhachev's invincibility and the possibility of losing in the future.

UFC Legend Bursts ‘Mythical Bubble’ Around Islam Makhachev’s Invincibility

Islam Makhachev is becoming the UFC welterweight champion (via X)

Islam Makhachev is undoubtedly one of the most dominant fighters on the current UFC roster, consistently imposing his will against elite competition. In his last UFC outing, Makhachev defeated Jack Della Maddalena and captured the welterweight title to secure his second UFC belt.

Although Makhachev currently appears invincible, veteran Urijah Faber has doubts about his sustainability in the long run. Following his latest victory, Makhachev matched Anderson Silva’s historic 16-fight win streak, further strengthening his place among elite champions. He is a complete fighter, blending sharp striking with relentless pressure and an ever-present submission threat. 

As expected, many fans and experts believe Makhachev will not lose anytime soon against the division’s top fighters. However, according to Faber, anyone who keeps fighting will eventually face defeat regardless of skill levels in combat sports.

For sure, there are people out there who can beat Islam. If you are gonna keep fighting, you’re gonna lose. Humans are not invincible. The whole mystique, it’s just not there bro…People are gonna be shocked about it, but it’s gonna happen.

Urijah Faber via The Jaxxon Podcast

The retired fighter cited Jon Jones as an example, explaining how the former heavyweight champion experienced close fights against opponents like Dominic Reyes. Bobby Green, who present on the podcast with Faber, recalled Khabib Nurmagomedov’s belief that no fighter maintains the same mindset forever.

Faber further referenced Anderson Silva, who once appeared unbeatable during his prime years and was widely considered untouchable. However, Silva eventually lost to Chris Weidman via TKO, reinforcing the idea that sustained dominance inevitably ends in MMA. Makhachev is currently 34 years old and is expected to remain in his athletic prime for the next 3-4 years.

The Dagestani fighter is focused on achieving the highest possible number of title defenses within the highly competitive welterweight division. With the division stacked with contenders, fans are eager and desperate to see when Makhachev returns for his next outing.

Who’s next in line to fight Islam Makhachev next?

After dominating Jack Della Maddalena to win the welterweight championship, Islam Makhachev called out Kamaru Usman for his next fight. The veteran once ruled the division and has five title defenses, giving several incredible pay-per-view fights. Usman bounced back last year from his previous loss by beating Joaquin Buckley and is eager to fight Makhachev. 

Islam Makhachev to fight Kamru Usman over Ian Garry
Islam Makhachev to fight Kamru Usman over Ian Garry (via X)

However, several new contenders, including Ian Garry, have strongly criticized the idea of veteran Usman facing Islam Makhachev. Many experts also believe the new generation of welterweight contenders deserves opportunities instead of established names receiving priority title shots. However, in a recent interview, Ali Abdelaziz explained why Usman makes more sense than Garry for Makhachev.

If you compare Kamaru Usman to Ian Garry. He’s the toughest matchup (for Islam Makhachev), but don’t tell me Ian Garry, he’s the guy people are jumping over. He just lost to Shavkat, and he was almost finished by Prates. It’s not like a guy who’s going to sell out an arena or something like that. The math doesn’t add up for me. He’s not the guy people think he is.

Ali Abdelaziz via MMA Junkie

Garry, representing Ireland, believes a fight with Makhachev could recreate the rivalry once ignited by Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor. However, Makhachev feels Garry is not yet on his level, remaining focused instead on a matchup against Usman. 

According to Abdelaziz, Makhachev is expected to return around May or June, possibly at Newark’s Prudential Center. It will be interesting to see whether Usman finally gets the opportunity or a young contender gets the title shot next. 

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