Islam Makhachev Edges Ian Machado Garry

Islam Makhachev Edges Ian Machado Garry to Defend Title and Set UFC Record

Philadelphia delivered a tense welterweight championship clash on Saturday night as Islam Makhachev retained his belt against Ian Machado Garry in the main event of UFC 330.

The Russian champion used relentless grappling pressure across five rounds to secure a unanimous decision victory (49-46, 49-46, 48-47) at Xfinity Mobile Arena. With the win, Makhachev extended his UFC winning streak to a record 17 consecutive victories, surpassing the previous mark held by Anderson Silva.

source: ESPN MMA / X

A Chess Match on the Mat

Makhachev wasted little time implementing his game plan. Early in the opening round he secured a single-leg takedown and controlled the action against the fence. Garry, the taller Irish challenger known for his striking range and movement, worked back to his feet but spent much of the fight defending the champion’s wrestling.

In the second round Makhachev landed a high kick that dropped Garry and nearly ended the bout. The challenger recovered and found moments of success with body kicks and leg kicks in the third, yet Makhachev’s top control and back-taking in the later rounds proved decisive. Garry pushed hard in the final frame looking for a finish, but the champion stayed composed and rode out the decision.

Makhachev improved to 29-1 overall (18-1 UFC). Garry fell to 17-2 (10-2 UFC). The Irishman has now suffered both of his professional losses to elite grapplers in Makhachev and Shavkat Rakhmonov.

source: UFC promotional materials via X

History Made in Philly

The victory marks Makhachev’s second successful defense of the welterweight title after capturing it from Jack Della Maddalena in November 2025. It also solidifies his status as the clear pound-for-pound leader and one of the most dominant fighters of his generation.

Garry entered the bout with strong recent form, including decision wins over Carlos Prates and former champion Belal Muhammad. He promised to survive the ground game and keep the fight standing, but Makhachev’s Sambo-based control limited those opportunities.

The co-main event also produced a title retention as Mackenzie Dern defeated Gillian Robertson by unanimous decision to keep the strawweight belt.

Watch the full fight highlights and breakdown here: Islam Makhachev vs Ian Machado Garry Highlights

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Sources
Reuters, MMA Fighting, MMA Junkie, UFC official results, Sherdog