PHILADELPHIA — Ian Machado Garry entered UFC 330 talking about building an undeniable legacy. On Saturday night, Islam Makhachev reminded him that he’s still building one of his own.
Makhachev defeated Machado Garry by unanimous decision in the UFC 330 main event at Xfinity Mobile Arena, retaining his welterweight championship and extending his winning streak to a UFC-record 17 consecutive victories.
The judges scored the five-round championship fight 49-46, 49-46 and 48-47 for Makhachev, who improved to 29-1 overall and 18-1 inside the UFC. It wasn’t always easy, but when Makhachev needed to impose his championship game, particularly in the decisive fifth round, Machado Garry couldn’t stop him.
Makhachev Establishes His Wrestling Early
There was little mystery about Makhachev’s approach. The champion went after a takedown almost immediately in the opening round and quickly established that Machado Garry’s preparation for his grappling wouldn’t necessarily translate into stopping it.
Machado Garry attempted to follow the instructions coming from his corner, but Makhachev controlled much of the opening five minutes and forced the challenger into a defensive fight. It was exactly the type of start Makhachev wanted. Then came the biggest moment of the fight.
Makhachev showed once again that focusing exclusively on his wrestling can be a dangerous mistake. In the second round, the champion landed a vicious high kick that dropped Machado Garry and suddenly had the challenger in serious trouble.
Makhachev followed with punches and another forceful takedown, but Machado Garry survived. For all the discussion about Makhachev’s grappling, the sequence demonstrated how complete his game has become. The threat of the takedown creates opportunities on the feet, and Makhachev came dangerously close to turning one of those opportunities into a finish.
Garry Refuses to Go Away
Machado Garry finally began generating meaningful offense in the third. The Irish challenger connected with a slapping right high kick that caused visible damage around Makhachev’s eye. More importantly, Garry successfully defended a deep single-leg attempt, providing evidence that he wasn’t going to simply concede the grappling exchanges.
The fourth round was much more difficult to separate. Neither fighter produced a defining moment, creating the possibility that the championship could still be hanging in the balance entering the final five minutes. That’s when Makhachev took control.
Championship Round Belongs to Islam
Makhachev didn’t leave the fifth round to chance. He drove Machado Garry toward the fence, attacked his legs and dragged him to the canvas. Makhachev eventually secured the challenger’s back and maintained control for the remainder of the fight.
There would be no dramatic late comeback. No questionable final exchange. Makhachev closed the show doing exactly what has made him one of the most dominant fighters of his generation. When the scorecards were announced, the championship remained around his waist.
The victory carries historic significance. Makhachev has now won 17 consecutive UFC fights, establishing a new promotional record. He has also won seven consecutive championship fights and has successfully defended his welterweight title twice.
Already a champion in two weight divisions after his historic run at lightweight, Makhachev continues strengthening his argument for inclusion among MMA’s all-time greats. At 29-1, there aren’t many blemishes to find. There are increasingly fewer UFC records left for him to chase.
Claressa Shields Stops Kaye Scott in Six, Setting Stage for Lauren Price Superfight
Welcome to Dice City Sports — where we provide premium, exclusive, up-to-date news and analysis surrounding the Las Vegas sports scene. Follow along on social media, and check back for new articles daily!
Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
