Georges St-Pierre says anyone criticising Islam Makhachev's UFC 322 performance doesn't understand 'the art of fighting'.

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

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

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.

With Makhachev (19-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) changing the guard at 170 pounds with a unanimous decision over Jack Della Maddalena (18-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC) at UFC 322 this past Saturday, there are no shortage of options for his first defense. UFC CEO Dana White called it "a good problem to have," but ultimately only one can be offered the fight.

The ascent of Makhachev is just part of the upheaval that UFC 322 brought about at welterweight. Explosive knockout victories by Michael Morales and Carlos Prates boosted their st