Islam Makhachev Survives Ian Machado Garry, Plus More Takeaways at UFC 330

Philadelphia saw the return of the octagon into the city of Brotherly Love for the first time since 2019, far too much time for a city that embraced the UFC as much as what we saw Saturday Night. UFC 330 was highlighted by Islam Makhachev’s first title defense at welterweight as he surpassed some adversity and pushback from the valiant Ian Machado Garry.

Islam Makhachev defeats Ian Machado Garry by DEC

The anticipated main event saw Islam Makhachev defeat Ian Garry in a fight some pundits saw closer than expected. Islam’s grappling once more proved to be the main differential when striking became an issue for the Dagestani, though we saw glimpses of his underrated striking when he landed a beautiful headkick on the challenger after a clinch separation.

The pace of the fight picked up exponentially after the first round as the challenger and Irishman began defending the takedowns well, finding success on the feet and denying the forward pressure from Islam we have grown accustomed to see in his fights. Machado Garry arguably stole the 3rd and 4th round with the 5th being the decisive round for judges.

Makhachev’s championship experience showed clearly as he wasted no time going for Garry’s back, where he controlled the body triangle for almost the entirety of the round, hence securing the win.

A bruised face, a sigh of relief and acknowledgment of a complete job, Islam Makhachev breaks Anderson Silva’s 17 wins in a row, though now has no easy tasks ahead of him as Carlos Prates and Michael Morales quite literally are waiting for him cage side to be his next defense.

Mackenzie Dern defeats Gillian Robertson by DEC

The Strawweight Throne would be defended once more for the co-main event as newly crowned champion Mackenzie Dern aimed to prove superior to fellow BJJ Black Belt GIllian Robertson, who held the record for most submissions amongst all women in UFC history.

The fight itself was a showcase of physicality from Mackenzie Dern, who despite appearing as the smaller lady of the two in height, was levels above in pure strength, aiming for a grapple and control heavy approach. Gillian’s elite jiu-jitsu defense made it hard for the champion to advance any position.

Unfortunately, the highlight of the fight came from some less than positive comments from Din Thomas, part of Robertson’s corner. During a sitdown with the broadcast crew after the event, Thomas claimed retirement from cornering, claiming this was the furthest he could take Robertson. Of course, this was met with massive backlash from the community as the comments were insensitive following the athlete’s biggest fight.

More Notable Moments

In other news, Jalin Turner demolished Kaue Fernandes in a quick Round 1 victory, claiming his second consecutive victory following his brief retirement of the sport. Turner proves once more his lethal offensive prowess is very much alive and useful in the lightweight division as he turns back an underrated prospect.

In terms of betting upsets we did see Mansur Abdul Malik and Myktybek Orlobai, two of the biggest favorites with an average of -1000 betting line get finished by their opponents, ruining some parlays and proving once more why MMA is the MOST unpredictable sport on the planet.

Unfortunately, UFC 330 also marked the retirement of legend Edson Barboza, known for his electrifying kicks and intense wars with legends of the lightweight division. Esteban Ribovics delivered the R2 finish as the Brazilian striker put down the gloves in an emotional moment.

The UFC returns this Saturday for a Middleweight showdown between Anthony Hernandez and Gregory Rodrigues in Sacramento, California.