Makhachev defends UFC 330 welterweight title, beats Garry 49-46

Islam Makhachev retained his 170-pound UFC welterweight title at UFC 330 by beating Ian Machado Garry on the judges’ scorecards, 49-46, 49-46 and 48-47. The unanimous decision kept the two-division champion unbeaten in his title defence.

Garry made the contest difficult from the opening round. The 28-year-old Irish fighter resisted Makhachev’s attempts to take him down and prevented the champion from finishing his submission opportunities.

Makhachev produced the clearest moment of the early stages in the second round, connecting with a high kick that sent Garry to the canvas. Garry recovered and remained in the fight, avoiding a stoppage and continuing to challenge the champion’s control-based approach.

The balance shifted during the third and fourth rounds. Makhachev’s pace dropped, allowing Garry to land more cleanly. The Irishman also found success at close range, working effectively in the clinch and leaving Makhachev with a bloodied face.

Garry entered the final round looking capable of pressing his advantage, but Makhachev changed the direction of the fight. He secured a takedown and kept Garry on the ground for the rest of the round, using a body triangle to restrict his movement until the final horn.

The result extended Makhachev’s reign over the welterweight division and delivered his latest successful defence despite Garry’s resistance and late pressure. After the bout, Makhachev described Garry as a strong fighter and respectful opponent, while acknowledging that the challenger had made the fight demanding.