Islam Makhachev retains UFC welterweight title with win over Ian Garry

Russia’s Islam Makhachev retained his UFC welterweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Ireland’s Ian Machado Garry in the main event of UFC 330 in Philadelphia on Sunday.

Makhachev relied on his wrestling and grappling throughout the five-round contest, despite Garry’s height and reach advantage. The victory extended his UFC winning streak to 17 fights.

Makhachev secured an early takedown in the opening round, but Garry quickly returned to his feet. The Russian landed a high kick in the second round before taking the fight to the ground again, although Garry managed to recover.

Garry found greater success in the third round, landing kicks to Makhachev’s body and lead leg while avoiding several takedown attempts.

Makhachev regained control in the fourth round through his grappling and maintained his advantage in the final frame as Garry pushed for a finish.

All three judges awarded the fight to Makhachev, who retained the championship on the scorecards.

In the co-main event, American-Brazilian Mackenzie Dern retained her women’s strawweight title with a decision victory over Canada’s Gillian Robertson