Islam Makhachev added another major chapter to his UFC legacy on Saturday night, defeating Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 330 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. The champion retained his welterweight title after five competitive rounds, with the judges scoring the fight 49-46, 49-46 and 48-47 in his favor.
The victory also gave Makhachev sole possession of the UFC’s longest winning streak. He entered the fight tied with former middleweight champion Anderson Silva at 16 consecutive wins, but his victory over Garry moved that number to 17.
Makhachev Starts Strong With Relentless Wrestling
Makhachev established his approach early, using leg kicks before closing the distance and taking Garry down. Once he got the challenger to the fence, the champion maintained heavy pressure and repeatedly worked from close range.
Garry spent much of the opening round defending against Makhachev’s wrestling and control. The champion stayed attached to him along the cage, using knees and positional pressure to limit Garry’s offense.
Makhachev’s control earned him the opening round on the scorecards, setting the tone for the contest.
A Huge Head Kick Changes Round Two
Garry came out more willing to use his kicks in the second round, looking to keep Makhachev at range. However, the champion remained patient and eventually found another opportunity to close the distance.
After the fighters separated, Makhachev connected with a powerful head kick that dropped Garry. The challenger quickly returned to his feet, but Makhachev immediately pressed forward and took him back down.
From there, the champion continued to wear Garry down with pressure and grappling. Garry showed resilience, but Makhachev remained in control for much of the round and moved ahead 20-18 on the unofficial scorecard.
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Garry Finds His Rhythm in the Middle Rounds
The third round brought a noticeable change. Garry began using his kicks more effectively and did a better job of keeping Makhachev at distance. He also defended a takedown attempt, reversed the position and returned to his feet before landing several strikes.
A head kick from Garry caught Makhachev’s attention, while his oblique kicks continued to create problems. The challenger appeared to have his best round of the fight and earned it 10-9 on the unofficial scorecard.
Garry carried that momentum into the fourth round. He continued attacking the body and legs while defending several wrestling exchanges. Makhachev still managed to secure takedowns, but Garry repeatedly worked back to his feet.
The fourth was a closely contested round, with Garry’s striking giving him an argument for the edge. He was awarded another 10-9 round on the unofficial scorecard, bringing the fight level at 38-38 heading into the final round.
Makhachev Takes Control When It Matters Most
With the fight still in reach, Garry attempted to pressure Makhachev and cut off the cage. He landed a counter right and a straight right, but Makhachev again turned to his wrestling.
The champion secured a takedown and eventually took Garry’s back. This time, Garry could not quickly escape the position. Makhachev stayed attached, landed short strikes and controlled the remainder of the fight without allowing the challenger to create a decisive opening.
The final round gave Makhachev the edge on the unofficial scorecard and ultimately secured his unanimous decision victory.
Garry Leaves With Respect Despite Defeat
Makhachev’s victory extended his winning streak to 17 fights and further strengthened his position among the UFC’s elite. He had already captured the welterweight championship with a decision win over Jack Della Maddalena and entered UFC 330 looking to make another successful defense.
For Garry, the defeat ended a run of consecutive victories over former champion Belal Muhammad and Carlos Prates. Despite falling short, he remained composed after the fight and credited Makhachev while acknowledging the champion’s performance.
The result leaves Makhachev as the UFC welterweight champion and gives him another historic achievement. His ability to maintain control through the first two rounds and then close the fight strongly in the fifth proved decisive against a challenger who showed significant improvement as the contest progressed.
Official Result: Islam Makhachev def. Ian Machado Garry via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47).
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