Islam Makhachev added another landmark to his UFC career on Saturday night, defending his welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in Philadelphia.
The Russian secured a unanimous decision victory and extended his winning streak to 17 fights, moving past Anderson Silva's record of 16 consecutive UFC wins.
Makhachev, now 29-1 in MMA, won 49-46, 49-46, 48-47 on the judges' scorecards. Garry, who was looking to become only the second undisputed UFC champion from Ireland, struggled to generate enough offence despite repeatedly defending himself well during the grappling exchanges.
"I have nothing but respect for Islam ... he won. I have no complaints, no excuses," Garry said inside the Octagon after the decision.
"It's always hard," Makhachev said when asked about going through the championship rounds against Garry.
MAKHACHEV MAKES UFC HISTORY
Makhachev controlled the fight largely on his terms, using his chain wrestling and suffocating top control to repeatedly take Garry out of his comfort zone. He mixed that pressure with sharp striking, including a damaging head kick in the second round.
Garry's defensive scrambles helped him survive several difficult positions, but he struggled to put together enough offence of his own. Makhachev's ability to dictate the pace and location of the fight ultimately proved decisive.
The victory takes Makhachev's UFC winning streak to 17, surpassing Silva's previous record that had stood since 2013.
DERN DEFENDS, BARBOZA RETIRES
In the co-main event, Mackenzie Dern successfully defended her women's strawweight title for the first time, beating Gillian Robertson by unanimous decision. Dern dominated the grappling exchanges and constantly threatened submissions across five rounds.
Jalin Turner needed only 39 seconds to stop Kaue Fernandes with a first-round knockout, while Dustin Stoltzfus submitted Mansur Abdul-Malik with a rear-naked choke in the second round.
The night also marked the end of Edson Barboza's UFC career. The 40-year-old announced his retirement inside the Octagon after suffering a second-round stoppage loss to Esteban Ribovics.
Barboza leaves the UFC after a 16-year run that produced 18 promotional wins, 14 finishes and 10 Fight of the Night bonuses, closing the chapter on one of the most recognisable careers of his generation.
Source: India Today
-Agencies
