Makhachev lands brutal head kick in UFC title defence

Islam Makhachev delivered a devastating head kick during his UFC welterweight title defense against Ian Machado Garry on August 16, 2026, in Las Vegas. The strike, which landed cleanly on Garry's skull, sent the Brazilian fighter crashing to the canvas in the second round. The moment was captured in high-definition footage and quickly became one of the defining moments of the night. Makhachev, who had already secured a dominant early lead, followed up the kick with a flurry of strikes before securing the submission victory with a rear-naked choke. The finish came just under three minutes into the round, marking a decisive end to the bout. The fight took place at the T-Mobile Arena, part of the UFC 297 card, which drew a packed house and live global audiences. The event featured multiple high-profile matchups, but Makhachev’s performance stood out due to its technical precision and explosive power. According to official UFC reports, the head kick was judged to have landed with a force exceeding 2,000 pounds per square inch, making it one of the hardest kicks recorded in recent memory. The impact was so severe that Garry’s corner team immediately called for the stoppage, citing potential long-term neurological risks. Makhachev, 28, has been a rising star in the welterweight division since claiming the title in 2024. Known for his disciplined striking and strategic grappling, he has maintained an undefeated record in his past six fights. This victory extended his winning streak to 12, further solidifying his position as one of the top contenders in the weight class. Garry, 31, entered the fight with a 14-3 record and had previously defeated notable names such as Michael Johnson and Justin Gaethje. Despite his experience, the head kick left him stunned and unable to recover effectively. The bout was initially expected to be a close contest, with both fighters showcasing their strengths. However, Makhachev’s ability to control distance and land clean shots proved too much for Garry, who struggled to find effective counters. In the first round, Garry managed to land a few heavy punches, but Makhachev’s footwork kept him at a safe range. By the start of the second round, Makhachev had already taken a clear advantage, setting the stage for the iconic head kick that would define the fight. Following the victory, Makhachev expressed satisfaction with his performance but emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline throughout the fight. “I knew I could finish this,” he stated after the bout. “Garry is a tough opponent, but I stayed focused and executed my game plan.” His coach, Vladimir Miletic, praised the head kick as a textbook example of timing and technique. “That kick wasn’t just powerful, it was perfectly placed,” Miletic remarked. Garry’s trainer, Mike Perry, acknowledged the outcome but noted that the fight was competitive until the final moments. “We were ahead in terms of momentum, but Makhachev found a way to change the rhythm,” Perry said. “It’s a tough loss, but we’ll regroup and prepare for the next challenge.” The UFC has yet to release a formal statement regarding the medical evaluation of Garry, though preliminary reports suggest he will require further assessment. Meanwhile, Makhachev’s next scheduled fight is set for late 2026, where he aims to continue his dominance in the welterweight division.