Makhachev targets UFC 330 return before Ramadan after title win

Islam Makhachev plans to return to competition quickly after defeating Ian Machado Garry in the UFC 330 main event. The victory kept him as UFC welterweight champion and extended his record for consecutive wins in the promotion beyond Anderson Silva’s mark.

Makhachev said his preference is to fight in January or before the end of the year, with a return before Ramadan a firm target. At 34, he believes he should remain active rather than wait for a long period between appearances.

The champion also indicated that the fight had not left him with any major physical problems. He said he would check his nose, but did not identify any significant injury that would prevent him from preparing for his next bout.

His win over Garry was hard-fought and allowed Makhachev to retain his position at the top of the welterweight division. The result was not regarded as his most polished performance, although he found a way to beat an opponent known for making fights difficult.

Makhachev’s victory also strengthened his standing among the UFC’s leading pound-for-pound fighters. His record-breaking run has already placed him among the promotion’s most successful competitors, while his next appearance will determine how soon he can add to that achievement.

Several possible opponents could await him, including Carlos Prates and Michael Morales. Makhachev also praised the strength of his training team, saying the gym continues to produce fighters and preserve Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s legacy.