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Islam Makhachev has established himself as the general consensus No. 1 pound-for-pound MMA fighter, but Javier Mendez thinks he has ascended to the GOAT conversation.

Makhachev not only secured his first successful welterweight title defense to put a bow on UFC 330 this past Saturday, but he also further etched his name in the history books. With his unanimous decision over Ian Machado Garry in Philadelphia, Makhachev broke Anderson Silva’s record for the most consecutive UFC wins at 17.

Speaking to Parimatch Online Casino, Makhachev’s longtime coach Mendez said he would put his fighter’s name in the GOAT talk after he set a new record (via MMAJunkie).

“For us, the Anderson Silva record, 17 consecutive wins in the UFC, that’s a milestone,” Mendez said. “That’s very difficult to maintain, and I think it was fantastic that Islam has been able to break that. Already he broke the lightweight title defenses (record), and I’m sure if I look at all the records, Islam probably has a lot of records. But that one in particular, this is the one. This is the one that I feel put him in the GOAT picture.”

Makhachev isn’t done competing despite cementing his legacy even prior to UFC 330. In fact, the active legend is hoping to fight again before Ramadan. Carlos Prates has emerged as a popular name in terms of a potential title contender. The undefeated Michael Morales is another strong name in consideration for the next welterweight title fight.

The 170-pound ruler has made his opinion clear that Prates is the most deserving contender. Makhachev has said he feels Morales has been too inactive and needs one more big win to seal his championship opportunity. Ultimately, it’ll come down to what the UFC brass wants to do, but Makhachev’s status could help sway things in one direction.

Is Islam Makhachev in the GOAT conversation for you? Drop your take in the comments below.

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM