For thirteen years, one number looked untouchable in mixed martial arts: sixteen. Anderson Silva’s run of consecutive Octagon victories stood as the benchmark for the longest winning streaks in UFC history, and fighter after fighter climbed toward it only to fall short.
That changed on August 15, 2026. At UFC 330 in Philadelphia, Islam Makhachev defeated Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision and notched his 17th consecutive UFC win. The record now belongs to him, and the list of the greatest streaks has been reshuffled.
This guide gives you the complete, updated ranking of the longest winning streaks in UFC history, the stories behind each run, and what comes next for the new record holder.
Latest Update: Islam Makhachev Now Owns the Longest Winning Streak in UFC History
Makhachev entered UFC 330 tied with Silva at 16 straight wins, and the pressure of history sat squarely on his shoulders. His opponent, Ian Machado Garry, was taller, longer, and one of the most dangerous strikers at welterweight.
Rather than hunting a highlight finish, Makhachev leaned on what has carried him all along: wrestling, positional control, and patience. All three judges scored the fight for the champion, and the UFC confirmed that the longest winning streak in UFC history had a new owner.
After the fight, Makhachev told reporters it was no longer Anderson Silva’s record but his own. He was perfectly entitled to say that.
How Makhachev’s Record Streak Was Built
The streak began in September 2016, after the only loss of Makhachev’s professional career, a first-round knockout against Adriano Martins in 2015. From there, the Dagestani rebuilt himself into one of the most complete fighters on the planet.
The following are a few of the most significant moments:
- UFC 280 (October 2022): Submitted Charles Oliveira to win the vacant lightweight title.
- UFC 284 and UFC 294: Twice defeated featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski, including a head-kick knockout in the rematch.
- UFC 302 (June 2024): Submitted Dustin Poirier in a lightweight title defense.
- UFC 322 (November 2025): Defeated Jack Della Maddalena to become a two-division champion at welterweight.
- UFC 330 (August 2026): Beat Ian Machado Garry to pass Silva and claim the record.
What separates this run from many others is the quality of opposition. Makhachev did not pad his record. He beat former champions, elite contenders, and a division’s number-one challenger.
What Is Next for Makhachev and His Streak?
As of early October 2026, Makhachev’s streak is still active at 17. He has said he wants to fight again before the end of 2026, or at the latest before Ramadan in early 2027, and he has dismissed rumors of retirement.
The two names most often linked to the next welterweight title shot are Carlos Prates, a Brazilian knockout artist on a three-fight finishing streak, and Michael Morales, who made weight as the backup for UFC 330. The UFC has not made a final announcement, so check official UFC channels for the latest booking news.
Whoever gets the call will carry one clear motivation: ending the longest winning streak in UFC history.
Longest Winning Streaks in UFC History: The Updated 2026 Ranking
Here is the current ranking of the longest winning streaks in UFC history, based on consecutive wins inside the Octagon.
| Rank | Fighter | Consecutive UFC Wins | Division(s) | Streak Years | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Islam Makhachev | 17 | Lightweight / Welterweight | 2016–present | Active |
| 2 | Anderson Silva | 16 | Middleweight / Light Heavyweight | 2006–2012 | Ended |
| 3 | Kamaru Usman | 15 | Welterweight | 2015–2021 | Ended |
| 4 | Merab Dvalishvili | 14 | Bantamweight | 2018–2025 | Ended |
| 5 (tie) | Georges St-Pierre | 13 | Welterweight / Middleweight | 2007–2017 | Ended |
| 5 (tie) | Jon Jones | 13 | Light Heavyweight | 2010–2015 | Ended |
| 5 (tie) | Demetrious Johnson | 13 | Flyweight | 2012–2017 | Ended |
| 5 (tie) | Khabib Nurmagomedov | 13 | Lightweight | 2012–2020 | Retired undefeated |
| 5 (tie) | Max Holloway | 13 | Featherweight | 2014–2018 | Ended |
| 10 (tie) | Amanda Nunes | 12 | Bantamweight / Featherweight | 2015–2021 | Ended |
| 10 (tie) | Alexander Volkanovski | 12 | Featherweight | 2016–2022 | Ended |
| 10 (tie) | Tony Ferguson | 12 | Lightweight | 2013–2019 | Ended |
A note on Jon Jones: the UFC’s official record book lists his streak at 13 because his 2017 win over Daniel Cormier was overturned to a no-contest. Some record trackers count his wins around that result differently, which is why you may see a higher number elsewhere. This list follows the official UFC convention for the longest winning streaks in UFC history.
Anderson Silva: The Spider’s 16-Fight Run That Stood for Over a Decade
For years, any conversation about the longest winning streaks in UFC history started and ended with Anderson Silva. His run of 16 straight wins stretched from 2006 to 2012 and included ten consecutive middleweight title defenses.
Silva turned fights into performances. He slipped punches by inches, taunted opponents, and countered with knees, elbows, and kicks that seemed to come from nowhere.
The Moments That Defined Silva’s Streak
Two fights capture his run better than any statistic. At UFC 117 in 2010, Chael Sonnen dominated him for four and a half rounds before Silva locked in a triangle armbar in the fifth for one of the greatest comebacks the sport has seen. At UFC 126 in 2011, his front-kick knockout of Vitor Belfort became one of the most replayed finishes ever.
His streak ended at UFC 162 in July 2013, when Chris Weidman knocked him out in the second round. Even so, 16 wins in a row held as the record for more than a decade.
Kamaru Usman: The Longest Welterweight Winning Streak in UFC History
Kamaru Usman’s 15-fight streak ranks third among the longest winning streaks in UFC history and remains the longest in the welterweight division. It ran from 2015 to 2021 and included his title win over Tyron Woodley at UFC 235.
Usman built his reputation on relentless wrestling and pressure, but his striking improved dramatically under Trevor Wittman. He knocked out Jorge Masvidal at UFC 261 and beat Colby Covington twice, proving he could win in any phase.
The streak ended at UFC 278 in August 2022. Trailing deep into the fifth round, Leon Edwards landed a perfectly timed head kick that stopped Usman and ended a historic run in a single moment.
Merab Dvalishvili: The Bantamweight Machine With 14 Straight Wins
The newest addition to the elite tier of the longest winning streaks in UFC history is Merab Dvalishvili. After losing his first two UFC fights, “The Machine” transformed his career with a 14-fight streak from 2018 to 2025.
His formula was exhausting for opponents: relentless takedowns, scrambles, and a pace nobody could match. He defeated former champions including José Aldo, Petr Yan, and Henry Cejudo, then captured the bantamweight title by beating Sean O’Malley at UFC 306.
His run ended on December 6, 2025, when Petr Yan reclaimed the belt by unanimous decision at UFC 323. Dvalishvili’s 14 wins remain the longest streak in bantamweight history.
The 13-Fight Club: Five Legends Tied for Fifth
Five of the greatest fighters ever share the 13-win mark, one of the most crowded spots among the longest winning streaks in UFC history.
Georges St-Pierre
After a shocking loss to Matt Serra, GSP rebuilt himself into a calculating champion. His 13-fight run featured wins over Matt Hughes, Josh Koscheck, Carlos Condit, Nick Diaz, and Johny Hendricks. After four years away, he returned at UFC 217 and submitted Michael Bisping to win the middleweight title.
Jon Jones
Jones became the youngest champion in UFC history at 23 by beating Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. He then dismantled the light heavyweight division, beating Lyoto Machida, Rashad Evans, Vitor Belfort, Chael Sonnen, and Alexander Gustafsson. His creativity, reach, and in-fight adjustments made him nearly impossible to prepare for.
Demetrious Johnson
“Mighty Mouse” combined speed, technique, and fight IQ in a way the flyweight division could not solve. His streak included a record 11 consecutive title defenses. His UFC 216 armbar finish of Ray Borg, applied in mid-air after a throw, is still regarded as one of the most spectacular finishes ever.
Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khabib’s 13-fight UFC streak was part of a perfect 29-0 professional career. He beat Conor McGregor at UFC 229, submitted Dustin Poirier at UFC 242, and defeated Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in October 2020. Then he retired. His streak never ended in defeat, which makes it unique among the longest winning streaks in UFC history.
Max Holloway
After a 2013 loss to Conor McGregor, Holloway won 13 straight at featherweight. He stopped José Aldo twice, at UFC 212 and UFC 218, and rose to become one of the sport’s most durable and entertaining champions. The streak ended against Dustin Poirier at UFC 236.
Alexander Volkanovski, Amanda Nunes, and Tony Ferguson: The 12-Win Club
Three more elite fighters reached 12 straight wins, rounding out the top tier of the longest winning streaks in UFC history.
- Amanda Nunes (2015–2021): Victories over Ronda Rousey, Valentina Shevchenko, Cris Cyborg, and Holly Holm before a loss to Julianna Peña.
- Alexander Volkanovski (2016–2022): Wins over José Aldo, Max Holloway, Brian Ortega, and Chan Sung Jung to establish a featherweight reign.
- Tony Ferguson (2013–2019): Wins over Edson Barboza, Rafael dos Anjos, Kevin Lee, Anthony Pettis, and Donald Cerrone, including an interim title.
Active Winning Streaks to Watch in 2026
Outside Makhachev’s record run, a few fighters are building momentum. According to record trackers as of this update, Movsar Evloev and Carlos Ulberg are each on 10-fight UFC winning streaks. Joshua Van and Natalia Silva are on eight each.
None of them are close to the top of the longest winning streaks in UFC history yet, but the sport changes quickly. A title shot, a championship run, and several more wins could move any of them into the conversation.
Streaks can also end overnight. Merab Dvalishvili’s run was alive until December 2025 and over in a single night. That unpredictability is what makes any active streak worth watching.
Why the Longest Winning Streaks in UFC History Are So Hard to Build
Winning once in the UFC means beating someone in the top tier of the sport. Winning 13, 15, or 17 times in a row means surviving years of risk.
Every opponent studies your habits. Every camp builds a game plan around your weaknesses. Injuries, weight cuts, short-notice changes, and close judging decisions all pile on. A single misplaced step, as Silva learned against Weidman, can erase years of work.
The longest winning streaks in UFC history almost always share a few traits:
- Constant evolution. Usman added knockout power, Khabib sharpened his striking defense, and GSP hired specialists in every area.
- A dominant core skill. Wrestling powered Makhachev, Khabib, Usman, and Dvalishvili, while elite striking and movement powered Silva and Jones.
- Mental durability. Staying focused when every opponent wants your belt is rare.
- Smart longevity. Fighters with clean weight cuts and low accumulated damage give themselves more chances to keep winning.
Is Makhachev’s Record Likely to Stand?
Breaking the longest winning streak in UFC history required 17 victories against high-level competition over nearly a decade. Even Makhachev admits it required constant work and adjustment.
If he wins again, he extends a number nobody else can currently touch. If he loses, he still leaves a mark that took 13 years to surpass. Either way, reaching 18 would require a fighter to string together years of near-perfect performances, which history shows is extremely difficult.
Final Thoughts on the Longest Winning Streaks in UFC History
The longest winning streaks in UFC history tell the story of the sport itself. Anderson Silva set the standard with artistry. Kamaru Usman and Khabib showed what elite wrestling can do. Georges St-Pierre and Demetrious Johnson showed what intelligence and precision can accomplish. Merab Dvalishvili proved that cardio and relentless pressure can carry a fighter to a title.
Now Islam Makhachev stands above them all at 17 and counting. With a new title challenger on the horizon and a return planned before early 2027, the next chapter of the longest winning streak in UFC history is still being written.
Bookmark this page, because every time the streak grows or ends, this ranking changes.
