Islam Makhachev has reset the UFC's consecutive-win benchmark, earning a 17th straight victory and surpassing a 13-year record held by Anderson Silva. The Russian defended his welterweight title at UFC 330 in Philadelphia's Xfinity Mobile Arena, controlling large sections of the fight en route to a unanimous decision.
The contest lived up to its grappler-versus-striker billing. Makhachev opened the fight by taking Machado Garry down at his first attempt and kept the challenger pressed against the cage for much of the opening round. He continued to dictate where the fight took place, forcing grappling exchanges and using his wrestling to blunt the Irishman's offence.
Makhachev landed a head kick in the second that sent Machado Garry to the canvas before following with a slam. The challenger showed resilience, defending on the ground and finding moments of success with kicks later in the fight, even blooding Makhachev's face in clinch exchanges. Those strikes, however, did not offset the control Makhachev accumulated.
Statistically the bout skewed heavily in Makhachev's favour. He recorded seven unanswered takedowns and logged more than 12 minutes of control time, compared with Machado Garry's 34 seconds. The Irishman landed 29 significant strikes to Makhachev's 22, but the sustained grappling control carried the judges' decision.
After the verdict, Makhachev acknowledged his opponent, saying, "Ian is a great fighter, good man and I respect him. He gave me a hard time but I still prove every fight." Machado Garry responded in defeat, telling fans, "To all my fans, Ireland, everybody, I'm sorry I couldn't get this done," and adding he was proud of his progress and vowed to return.
The result extended Makhachev's professional record to 29 wins and one defeat, while Machado Garry dropped to 17 wins and two losses in a 19-fight career. The victory strengthens arguments over Makhachev's standing among the sport's elite, and it delays Machado Garry's pursuit of becoming Ireland's next UFC champion.
