PHILADELPHIA, 16 August 2026 (Kamran Raja): Russia’s Islam Makhachev successfully defended his UFC welterweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Ireland’s Ian Machado Garry in a closely contested five-round main event at UFC 330 in Philadelphia. Makhachev relied on his superior grappling and relentless wrestling to overcome the taller and longer-reach Garry, securing a unanimous decision from all three judges. The 28-year-old Irish challenger created difficulties for the champion throughout the bout, particularly in the third round when he found his range and landed several powerful kicks to Makhachev’s body and lead leg. Makhachev, however, quickly established his wrestling advantage in the opening round, taking Garry down with a rapid single-leg takedown. Although Garry managed to return to his feet without sustaining significant damage, the champion continued to apply pressure.
In the second round, Makhachev landed a high kick that briefly stunned Garry before taking the fight back to the ground. Garry again showed resilience, recovering to his feet and surviving the round.Garry appeared to gain momentum midway through the third round, using his striking to keep Makhachev at distance and largely avoiding takedowns. The champion responded in the fourth round by returning to his suffocating grappling style and regaining control of the contest. With the title potentially on the line in the final round, Garry pushed forward in search of a stoppage. Makhachev remained composed, defended effectively and avoided serious danger to secure the victory on the judges’ scorecards. Following the fight, Makhachev praised his opponent and said Garry had given him a difficult challenge. “Ian is a great fighter, a good man, and I just respect him. He gave me a hard time, but I still prove every fight,” Makhachev said.The victory also saw Makhachev establish a new UFC record with 17 consecutive victories.In the co-main event, American-Brazilian Mackenzie Dern successfully defended her women’s strawweight championship by earning a decision victory over Canada’s Gillian Robertson.