The main event of UFC 330 was a welterweight title fight. Islam Makhachev faced off against Ian Machado Garry.
The Dagestani is undoubtedly the best fighter in the P4P rankings. Islam Makhachev entered the Octagon undefeated in 16 consecutive fights, with his only loss having come nearly 11 years earlier. Although his opponent was given a chance—after all, MMA is an unpredictable sport—Khabib Nurmagomedov’s heir apparent was widely expected to win.
Ian Machado Garry faced off against Makhachev. The Irishman took a completely different approach from his famous compatriot, Conor McGregor… Nevertheless, he, too, came under heavy fire on social media. Many of his comments—such as the one claiming that “women should rule the world”—didn’t win him many new fans. And those who weren’t already fans were even more eager to see him face the champion, who was expected to wipe the floor with him.
UFC 330: Makhachev vs. Machado Garry — Who Won?
Round 1 – The fighters met in the center of the cage but held back from attacking. Makhachev finally opened with a low kick, after which Garry threatened him with a right cross. Islam made a series of feints suggesting takedowns, only to finally launch a left kick to the head. The Irishman blocked it with his guard, but a moment later the champion went in for a successful takedown. Garry got back up and retreated to the fence, landing a knee to the head along the way. Makhachev relentlessly pinned him against the fence, raining knees down on his thighs. Garry returned to his feet, but Makhachev hung onto him, wearing him down. The Irishman struck Makhachev’s forearms with his elbows, which might help him in the later rounds.
Round 2 – Garry started the second round more aggressively, launching a kick to the head. Makhachev stepped back from the center of the Octagon, and his kick to the leg was countered with the same move. Islam went for a left hook and a right uppercut, but his aim was way off. Garry remained composed but was able to unleash a devastating middle kick. Garry closed the distance, but Makhachev instantly locked in a Thai clinch and rained knees down on the Irishman’s head. It seemed as though Garry was taking the initiative, but as they broke apart, Makhachev knocked him down with a powerful kick to the head! Makhachev now had his opponent on the ropes; he took the fight to the ground and continued his dominance there. “The Future” recovered, so he managed to avoid submission.
Round 3 – Garry tried to return the favor to Makhachev with a kick to the head—to no avail. Garry landed some good kicks to the champion’s knee as the champion circled, waiting for the challenger to attack. The challenger took control of the center of the Octagon but didn’t make many moves. Another right kick landed on the champion’s head but was blocked by his guard. A good left jab from Makhachev. The Irishman responded with another kick to the knee, and a moment later was taken down… from which, however, he quickly got back to his feet! Garry landed a powerful body shot on Islam, though his punches looked less effective. The challenger began to pick up steam on the offensive, gaining confidence—and finally posed a serious threat with a right kick to the head! Conor McGregor had predicted that this was exactly how he would knock out Makhachev, which promised some extremely exciting championship rounds.
Round 4. — Garry came out for this round with a smile and quickly began targeting the champion’s leg. Makhachev was looking for an opening to land a takedown, but it was Garry who found a gap and landed a kick to the stomach. Makhachev landed a good right, and a moment later he caught the Irishman’s leg. Ian twisted out of the way just in time and defended well against the Dagestani. Makhachev, however, stubbornly pressed on, taking the challenger down, then immediately pinning him against the cage and slashing at his thighs with his knees. Garry twisted just enough to land some elbows to the champion’s ribs. Makhachev lifted Garry up and took him down, but couldn’t keep him on the canvas. The challenger’s strikes—though short—were taking their toll on the champion. Makhachev certainly couldn’t have been happy with this round!
Round 5 — Makhachev was panting heavily on his stool, and his face showed signs of fatigue. The fighters had a moment to catch their breath before the round began, but there was no mercy inside the cage. Garry landed a middle kick, followed moments later by a front kick to the head. Makhachev landed a good punch, but the challenger surprised him with a powerful right. Ian went for a right high kick, which ended up in his guard. A right cross landed on the champion’s head. The Irishman relied on body kicks, and Makhachev turned to his best weapon—wrestling. The challenger easily defended himself and retreated to the cage, where he was thrown over the hip. Islam jumped on his back. Garry defended well against the submission attempts. Punches flew from both sides, though in that position, there was no chance of landing any knockout blows. Ultimately, Makhachev failed to make Garry tap out, though he continued to pound him until the final seconds.
Result: Islam Makhachev won by unanimous decision.
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