UFC 330: Makhachev scores record-breaking victory over Machado Jarry | Mixed martial arts news

Islam Makhachev records his 17th consecutive victory in the UFC after losing the welterweight title to Ian Machado Gary.

Islam Makhachev (29-1 MMA) successfully defended his UFC Welterweight Championship, defeating Irishman Ian Machado Gary (17-2 MMA) by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47) while also setting an impressive record in the main event of UFC 330 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

With his win on Saturday night, Russian Makhachev etched his name into the UFC record books, extending his winning streak to 17 straight fights and surpassing UFC Hall of Famer Anderson Silva’s all-time mark of 16, which was set from 2006-2013.

It was Makhachev who dictated the tempo throughout the 25-minute tournament, neutralizing the challenger with suffocating upper control⁠ and chain wrestling while mixing in dynamic strikes, including a damaging head kick in the second round.

Machado Jarry, who is bidding to become the second undisputed UFC champion from Ireland, remained diligent in defensive clashes on the mat to stay out of danger but was unable to mount enough offense to sway the judges’ scorecards.

“I have nothing but respect for Islam,” Machado Gary said inside the octagon after the decision. “He won. I have no complaints and no excuses.”

“It’s always difficult,” Makhachev said of getting a win over his opponent in the championship rounds.

In the co-main event, UFC women’s strawweight champion Mackenzie Dern (17-5 MMA) successfully defended her title for the first time, using dominant wrestling and relentless submission threats to defeat Canada’s Gillian Robertson (17-9 MMA) via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47).

Dern, a Phoenix native fighting from Southern California, controlled the pace of the bout over the course of 25 minutes, constantly threatening “transformations” and launching attacks against her fellow Brazilian jiu-jitsu standout. Dern’s most dangerous moment came in the opening frame, as he nearly secured a rear-naked choke ringing the bell just before the horn sounded.

While Dern expressed confidence throughout fight week that she would finish Robertson inside the distance, the champion was happy with her complete performance over five rounds.

“It’s good. …Thank you, [everyone]). “I appreciate you,” Dern said inside the octagon after her win.

The UFC heads to the West Coast next Saturday, returning to Sacramento, Calif., with a five-round UFC Fight Night middleweight bout featuring Anthony Hernandez, who fights from nearby El Dorado Hills, Calif., against Gregory Rodriguez of Brazil. The main event will conclude a 13-fight slate.