Makhachev’s streak and Dagestani recruitment tensions

Khabib Nurmagomedov challenges fighter signing politics

Khabib Nurmagomedov says US promotions avoid signing Dagestani fighters because they lack "trash talk" or "entertainment" value. He manages 500 amateurs. Nurmagomedov argues that promoters prioritize fighters who drink or show off over those who simply "smash people and take money" in the cage. He claims the UFC cuts many talented fighters without offering new contracts because they do not follow promotional politics. The tension exists because Islam Makhachev holds the longest active UFC lightweight win streak with 14 wins. Makhachev has 17 consecutive UFC wins, which exceeds the 16 wins held by Anderson Silva. Nurmagomedov recalls his early days in the US when managers suggested he use a nickname because his name was difficult to say. He used the name "Eagle" as a symbol of Dagestan, but he eventually became famous under his real name. Khabib also believes the promotion shows bias because his stable of fighters, including Makhachev and cousins Umar and Usman Nurmagomedov, often dominate the sport. He says undefeated fighters from his region struggle to get signed because they lack bravado. He also states that the business should be fair, suggesting a "50-50" split rather than a "100 to zero" approach that favors promoters. Usman Nurmagomedov fights next month.

Arman Tsarukyan maintains lightweight momentum

Arman Tsarukyan currently holds 6 wins after stopping Mauricio Ruffy with a first-round TKO at UFC 331 on September 20, 2026. This keeps him close to the top. Makhachev holds a professional record of 29-1 and recently secured his 17th straight UFC victory against Ian Machado Garry. That win at UFC 330 on August 15, 2026, resulted in a unanimous decision with scores of 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47. Makhachev’s ability to control the pace of a fight through relentless wrestling and high-level grappling remains evident when he secured seven takedowns against Ian Machado Garry during their recent title fight in Philadelphia. The champion displayed extreme control by holding Garry for 12 minutes and 30 seconds of the match. Despite his dominance, Garry landed 29 significant strikes to Makhachev’s 22. Makhachev possesses a 58 percent significant strike accuracy and absorbs only 1.45 significant strikes per minute. He also holds a career total of 13 submissions and 5 knockouts. His dominance in other weight classes is documented, such as his unanimous decision win over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in November 2025. In that match, he held control for 19 minutes and 10 seconds. Will Tsarukyan finally secure a rematch for the lightweight title?

UFC expands training infrastructure in Mexico

The UFC builds regional training hubs to accelerate the skill level of local athletes through its Performance Institute. The organization operates a 93,000 square foot facility in Shanghai and a 32,000 square foot facility in Mexico City. This facility provides access to experts in MMA coaching, strength and conditioning, sports science, and performance nutrition. Talent evaluation events offer a platform for local athletes. While the UFC invests in Mexico, Khabib Nurmagomedov continues to argue that the promotion still ignores hungry fighters from Dagestan. The organization currently has 150 athletes from Latin America on its active roster. Of these, 28 fighters are from Mexico. This includes 66 athletes from Spanish-speaking countries. The Performance Institute in Las Vegas has served over 700 athletes during its first five years of operation. Dana White states that making these resources available will help Mexico become one of the greatest sources of MMA talent in the world.