Islam Makhachev (29-1 MMA) successfully defended his UFC welterweight title, defeating Irish fighter Ian Machado Garry (17-2 MMA) by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47) in the main event of UFC 330 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
With the victory on Saturday night, the Russian fighter etched his name into UFC history by extending his win streak to 17, surpassing the 16-fight consecutive win mark set by UFC legend Anderson Silva from 2006 to 2013.
Throughout the 25-minute title fight, Makhachev controlled the pace completely, neutralizing his opponent's challenges with grappling and top-position control, while mixing in varied striking, including a damaging high kick to the head in the second round.
Machado Garry, aiming to become the second UFC champion from Ireland, attempted tight defense in grappling exchanges but could not generate enough pressure to sway the judges' decision.
“I have absolute respect for Islam. He won. I have no complaints or excuses,” Machado Garry said in the cage after the fight.
“The fight was always tough,” Makhachev said of having to give maximum effort to secure the win.
In the co-main event, women's strawweight champion Mackenzie Dern (17-5 MMA) successfully defended her title for the first time, overcoming Canadian fighter Gillian Robertson (17-9 MMA) by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47) with dominant wrestling and constant submission threats.
Dern, originally from Phoenix and training in Southern California, controlled the ground fight for all 25 minutes, constantly pressuring with transitions and submissions. The most dangerous moment came in the first round when she nearly forced Robertson to tap with a rear-naked choke just seconds before the bell ended the round.
Despite having stated she would finish the fight early, the champion was satisfied with her comprehensive performance across five rounds.
“She's good. Thank you, guys. I appreciate that,” Dern said in the cage.
