Makhachev defends UFC title with record 17th-straight win

Islam Makhachev extended his undefeated streak to 17 consecutive victories by defending his UFC welterweight title against Ireland’s Ian Machado Garry in the main event of UFC 330 in Philadelphia on Saturday. The bout concluded with a unanimous decision in favor of Makhachev, securing his place in UFC history by surpassing the previous record of 16 straight wins held by Hall of Fame fighter Anderson Silva. The championship match lasted 25 minutes, during which Makhachev controlled the pace with dominant top control and effective wrestling techniques. His ability to mix in dynamic striking, particularly a powerful second-round head kick that knocked Garry off balance, played a crucial role in maintaining pressure on the challenger. Despite Garry’s efforts to survive through defensive scrambling, he failed to generate enough offensive momentum to influence the judges' decisions. Machado Garry acknowledged his defeat after the fight, stating, “I believed in my heart and soul I was better than him tonight, and he won.” He expressed respect for Makhachev’s performance, adding, “No complaints, no excuses. I’m 28, I have a decade of domination already. This man won tonight.” Makhachev responded to the challenge with determination, emphasizing his resilience despite taking several head kicks during the contest. Notably, a third-round head kick caused visible damage but did not derail his strategy. His ability to withstand the punishment and continue executing his game plan underscored his dominance in the ring. UFC CEO Dana White praised Makhachev’s performance, suggesting that if the Russian fighter continues at this level, the record he set might remain unchallenged for years to come. The 34-year-old Makhachev, who previously held the lightweight championship and has secured seven title victories across different weight classes, demonstrated his versatility and skill in the welterweight division. During the second round, Makhachev nearly ended the fight when he connected with a left-footed head kick that sent Garry to the mat. The crowd of 19,238 spectators erupted in excitement, anticipating a swift finish. However, Garry managed to recover and complete the round, though he faced continued jeers from the audience throughout the match. In the third round, Garry managed to secure a win on all three judges' scorecards, showing signs of a potential comeback. He followed up with a strong fifth round, landing seven significant strikes compared to none for Makhachev. Despite these efforts, Garry was unable to overcome Makhachev’s overall superiority in the bout. Makhachev’s victory solidified his status as one of the premier fighters in the UFC. With a career marked by consistent success across multiple divisions, he continues to assert his dominance in the welterweight category. His performance in Philadelphia further cements his legacy as a formidable force in mixed martial arts.