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This content was machine-translated from the French version.
A Controlled Defense in a Close Fight
Islam Makhachev retained his welterweight title at UFC 330 by defeating Ian Machado Garry via unanimous decision. The judges scored the bout 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47, reflecting a competitive fight that was nevertheless largely controlled by the champion. Garry resisted, went the distance, and forced Makhachev to work for five rounds, but he did not sufficiently reverse the decisive sequences to sway the title in his favor.
The main event, held in Philadelphia, confirmed Makhachev's ability to impose his pace even when he does not overwhelm every exchange.
The main event, held in Philadelphia, confirmed Makhachev's ability to impose his pace even when he does not overwhelm every exchange. His grappling, control, and management of pressure moments influenced the decision. Garry showed that he could survive the intensity of a five-round championship fight, but he leaves without the belt and with a second professional defeat.
The Record That Adds Another Dimension
Beyond the title defense, Makhachev made organizational history with his winning streak. His victory over Garry allows him to reach a historic mark for consecutive wins in the Octagon, further strengthening his status among the best fighters regardless of weight class. The result is therefore not based solely on one successful night: it extends a long period of dominance, built across two divisions and against varied opponents.
This statistic changes how his reign is viewed. Makhachev is no longer merely the heir to a Dagestani school or the former lightweight champion who moved up to welterweight. He is becoming a champion of continuity, capable of defending, adapting, and accumulating accomplishments in different contexts. Against Garry, he did not deliver the most spectacular performance of his career, but he delivered the one that sustains his historical case.
Dern Also Defends Her Title
The evening was not limited to the main event. Mackenzie Dern also retained her belt by defeating Gillian Robertson via unanimous decision, with the same scorecards as the main event. This co-main event gave the card a double-championship structure and confirmed Dern's solidity at the top of her division.
The main card then delivered several quick finishes: Jalin Turner defeated Kauê Fernandes by knockout in under a minute, Esteban Ribovics stopped Edson Barboza in the second round, and Dustin Stoltzfus submitted Mansur Abdul-Malik. These results added depth to an evening in which the title fights went the distance, while the other major bouts produced the clearest stoppages.
Garry Beaten, But Not Erased
For Garry, the defeat is significant because it came in a title opportunity, but it does not destroy his trajectory. Going five rounds against Makhachev in a tactical and demanding fight keeps his name near the top of the division. However, he will have to prove that he can show more initiative against elite wrestlers if he wants another title opportunity soon.
Makhachev, meanwhile, leaves with an even stronger position. The next question will concern the identity of the challenger capable of disrupting his rhythm and preventing him from piling up defenses. After UFC 330, the welterweight division still has a clear champion, and that champion now moves forward with a record as an additional argument.
