Islam Makhachev made history on Saturday by extending his UFC win streak to a record-breaking 17 consecutive fights. The pound-for-pound No 1 fighter retained his welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry in the main event of UFC 330 in Philadelphia.
Makhachev, 34, outpointed the 28-year-old Irish challenger, with scorecards reading 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47 in his favour. He largely controlled the first two rounds with wrestling, even dropping Machado Garry with a head kick in round two.
Machado Garry rallied in round three, denying a takedown and landing varied strikes. However, Makhachev secured another takedown in a crucial later round, despite appearing exhausted, ultimately sealing his first welterweight title defence.
After the fight, Makhachev told Joe Rogan, "Ian is a great fighter, he gave me a hard time, but I prove [myself] every fight." Machado Garry added, "I believed in my heart and in my soul I was better than him tonight; he won, I have no complaints, no excuses."