Lackluster UFC 330 Main Event Sees Islam Makhachev Defeat Ian Garry to Set Record-Breaking 17-Fight Winning Streak

Islam Makhachev used timely takedowns and cage control to secure first title defense at welterweight against Ian Garry at UFC 330.

Lackluster UFC 330 Main Event Sees Islam Makhachev Defeat Ian Garry to Set Record-Breaking 17-Fight Winning Streak

Islam Makhachev defeats Ian Garry at UFC 330 (Image via UFC News/X)

UFC 330 main event featuring welterweight champion Islam Makhachev and Ian Machado Garry had an interesting premise. It reminded fans of the heated Dagestan vs Irish rivalry, although the buildup was very professional.

Makhachev entered the title bout needing just a victory to set the all-time UFC record for winning streaks. One more win would allow the Dagestani fighter to surprass the 16-fight winning streak set by Anderson Silva a decade ago.

Meanwhile, Garry aimed to become just the second Irish fighter to hold the UFC gold after Conor McGregor. With historical achievements on the line, it was Makhachev who emerged victorious at UFC 330.

The Dagestani fighter promised to finish Garry at UFC 330, but had to settle for a decision. The Irish star made sure make it difficult for the Dagestan native. The first round was lackluster as only a few strikes were exchanged.

Makhachev landed a knockdown in the second round, but couldn’t finish Garry. He resorted to controlling the Irishman who recovered from the knockdown. Garry began to fight back in the third and fourth round.

The title challenger stuffed multiple takedowns and immediately got back up whenever he got taken down. Makhachev couldn’t strike with Garry in those rounds and resorted to clinching and setting up a takedown to limit his opponent’s striking threat.

Commentators Daniel Cormier and Joe Rogan wondered what the judges were thinking at that time as it was a difficult fight to score till then. However, Makhachev made sure to win the final round by securing the back of the Irish star and limiting his offense.

In the end, judges scored the contest 49-46,49-46 and 48-47 in favor of the Dagestani superstar. With the win, he broke Anderson Silva’s longstanding record and set a new record for all the world to see.

Following the bout, Makhachev praised Garry for giving him a tough time inside the octagon. It looks like he will continue fighting despite some saying that he may retire after defending his belt. Meanwhile, Garry failed to accomplish what he promised.

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Ian Garry promised greatness before fighting Islam Makhachev

The ceremonial weigh-ins of any numbered UFC event promises something exciting. Depending on the rivalry, the promotion will bring more security to avoid any sort of chaos.

Garry and Makhachev kept everything professional and had a normal faceoff during the ceremonial weigh-ins. There was never a moment when tensions boiled between the two fighters.

Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry
Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry (Image via Bleacher Report/talkSPORT)

What remained evident during the build-up was Garry’s insistence that he shouldn’t be counted out despite the odds stacked against him. He said as much during the short conversation with Joe Rogan after the faceoff even though the crowd booed him loudly.

Tomorrow night, I get the opportunity to fight the best fighter on the planet right now considered by everybody to be the No. 1 in the world. When I beat [Islam], everybody has no excuses. Ian Machado Garry is great, and it’s the start of a dominant legacy for me. You should all be grateful, you should all be lucky you get to witness greatness in the flesh tomorrow.

Ian Garry told Joe Rogan at the UFC 330 Ceremonial Weigh-Ins

The Irish star’s confidence came from his ability to fight on the backfoot, using movements and kicks to stay away from his opponent. Even Khabib Nurmagomedov admitted that Garry knew how to fight before UFC 330.

Moreover, Garry has spoken extensively about crafting a legacy for himself and even eyed the pound-for-pound No. 1 status. The Irish star did well enough, but lost some key exchanges that ultimately spoiled his promise of showing greatness.

As for Makhachev, his winning streak carries much weight as fans will likely put him as a top 5 MMA fighter of all time. It remains to be seen who will challenge the champion next after his successful title defense at UFC 330.

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