Makhachev and Ian Garry face off before their fight at the UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube/UFC
Even with Ian Machado Garry 's resistance to Islam Makhachev 's takedown attempts at UFC 330 , held last Saturday (15), in Philadelphia (USA), the Russian does not consider the Irishman the most difficult opponent he has ever faced. After the victory, the 'King' of the welterweights (up to 77,1 kg) recalled a historic duel against Alexander Volkanovski , in Australia, which, according to the fighter, was one of the most difficult fights of his career.
In the post- UFC 330 press conference , Makhachev recalled his first fight with Volkanovski at UFC 284 in Perth in February 2023. At the time, the Australian was in his first stint as featherweight champion (up to 65,8 kg), was coming off his third victory over Max Holloway , was undefeated in the organization, was seeking a second title, and delivered a true battle that ended with the 'Fight of the Night' award.
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“Maybe he’s in the top 3, but the fight in Australia was insane. In my first fight with Volkanovski, he gave me a lot of trouble. That guy is a guard dog, he went forward the whole time. The entire arena was supporting him,” said Islam Makhachev.
Islam Makhachev's MMA fighters
Makhachev promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
At 34 years old, Makhachev is one of the top names in the UFC and currently the organization's welterweight champion. The Russian has a professional record of 29 wins and one loss, with five wins by knockout and 13 by submission, numbers that highlight his dominance in grappling and his evolution in striking.
Former lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg), Islam Makhachev has built one of the most dominant careers in the event's recent history. He has victories over names like Charles Oliveira , Dustin Poirier , Alexander Volkanovski , and Ian Machado Garry , and maintains a long winning streak in the organization, with 17 consecutive wins.
UFC 330 results
MAIN CARD
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Islam Makhachev defeated Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47) and defended his title.
Strawweight (up to 52,1 kg): Mackenzie Dern defeated Gillian Robertson by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47) and defended her title.
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Jalin Turner defeated Kauê Fernandes by knockout (punches) at 0:39 of round 1.
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Dustin Stoltzfus defeated Mansur Abdul-Malik by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:23 of round 2.
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Esteban Ribovics defeated Edson Barboza by technical knockout (punches) at 1:32 of round 2.
PRELIMINARY CARD
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Chidi Njokuani defeated Joel Alvarez by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Catchweight (up to 58,9 kg): Charles Johnson defeated Eduardo Chapolin by submission (twister) at 1:35 of round 3.
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Donte Johnson defeated Eric McConico by knockout (punch) at 1:38 of round 1.
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Tresean Gore defeated Vicente Luque by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Lucas Fernando defeated Rafael Bipolar by technical knockout (knee to the body) at 1:15 of round 3.
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Neil Magny defeated Ramiz Brahimaj by technical knockout (punches) at 3:20 of round 2.
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Jeremiah Wells defeated Myktybek Orolbai by submission (choke) at 1:25 of round 3.
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