Islam Makhachev needs a third UFC belt to build his greatest-of-all-time argument, according to Georges St-Pierre.

What GSP said about Islam Makhachev’s future

Georges St-Pierre believes Islam Makhachev should chase a third UFC title to strengthen his case for the sport’s GOAT debate. The former welterweight and middleweight champion told MMA Junkie that Makhachev — who defends his 170-pound strap at UFC 330 on July 5 — could move up to middleweight after beating Ian Garry. No fighter has ever held UFC belts at lightweight, welterweight, and middleweight.

Makhachev enters the July 5 bout in Philadelphia with a 16-fight UFC win streak, tied with Anderson Silva for the longest in history. A victory would make him the sole record holder. GSP expects Makhachev to lean on his grappling once again. “Ian Garry is a tough opponent, a very good striker,” GSP told MMA Junkie. “But Islam’s goal is to bring the fight to the ground.”

Why Makhachev’s next move matters

Holding titles in three weight classes would set Makhachev apart in the UFC’s GOAT conversation. Alex Pereira tried the feat last year and fell short, according to Sherdog. Makhachev’s path to 185 pounds would force him to face elite middleweights like Israel Adesanya or Sean Strickland. A win over Garry would first extend his streak to 17 and put him in line for a shot at the next available middleweight title.

GSP also praised Makhachev’s grappling edge over Garry. “His skills are superior,” GSP said. “The difference-maker is the Dagestani’s wrestling and jiu-jitsu.” Makhachev has finished 11 of his last 16 UFC opponents, with nine submissions or knockouts inside the distance.

What’s at stake at UFC 330

Makhachev vs. Garry headlines UFC 330 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia on July 5. The Irish striker brings a 13-2 record and a reputation for crisp boxing and Muay Thai. Garry’s last loss came in 2022, a split decision to Shavkat Rakhmonov. Makhachev, meanwhile, has not lost since March 2016, a decision defeat to Adriano Martins.

A win would tie Makhachev with Silva’s UFC record and set up a potential trilogy with Dustin Poirier or Charles Oliveira. It would also keep him on track for a third-division push. GSP framed the fight as another step in Makhachev’s march toward history. “He’s built for this moment,” GSP said.

What comes next for Makhachev

If Makhachev beats Garry, his next logical stop is middleweight. The division’s top contenders include Strickland, Khamzat Chimaev, and former champion Adesanya. Makhachev’s camp has not confirmed weight-class plans beyond July 5, but GSP’s advice points toward a clear path.

The Dagestani’s camp could also explore a return to 155 pounds after a middleweight title run. Either route would test Makhachev against the best in two divisions. For now, all eyes are on Philadelphia and a chance to break Silva’s record.