The Russian champion retains his welterweight title and sparks debate with his post-fight celebration

Islam Makhachev confirmed his welterweight supremacy by defeating Ian Garry via unanimous decision at UFC 330 in Philadelphia. The Russian, now 26-2, retained his title while sparking controversy with his celebration. Max Holloway criticized his gesture, to which Makhachev responded with irony.

To remember:

Makhachev wins by unanimous decision against Ian Garry at UFC 330, retaining his welterweight title.
The Russian champion reaches 26 wins and 2 losses after this victory.
His celebration with two belts provokes a reaction from Max Holloway, who questions its legitimacy.
Makhachev responds with irony to the criticism, recalling his journey since the lightweight title.

Unbelievable! Islam Makhachev has once again proven he is one of the best fighters of his generation by impressively defeating Ian Garry at UFC 330 in Philadelphia. The Russian, now established in the welterweight division, retained his title after a controlled fight, bringing his record to 26 wins and only 2 losses. A performance that confirms his dominance in the division.
But it was his post-fight celebration that grabbed the headlines. Makhachev, proudly holding up two belts, sparked mixed reactions. Max Holloway, the former featherweight champion, didn’t hesitate to criticize the gesture, arguing that the Russian had only been defending one title since moving to welterweight. A remark that clearly annoyed Makhachev, who responded with a touch of irony: “Sorry, but you don’t get it.”
The Russian champion reminded everyone of his impressive journey, including his lightweight title he vacated in 2025 before settling in welterweight. A jab that carries even more weight given Holloway’s recent loss to Conor McGregor. Makhachev, meanwhile, continues to climb the ranks with a consistency that commands respect.
This fight in Philadelphia marks another milestone for the Russian, who confirms his status as a serious contender for the biggest names in the division. And while his celebration has sparked debate, one thing is certain: Makhachev isn’t stopping here!

With this victory, Makhachev establishes himself as one of the greatest welterweights in UFC history. His technical dominance and charisma make him a champion to watch closely, especially after this controversy that only strengthens his image.

Editor's Opinion

By Nakmen

Damn, Makhachev, this little genius with his 26-2 record, looks like a mix between Batman and a 2000s ninja! Two belts at once, the guy’s got the style of an OSS 117 agent collecting trophies after raiding a museum. Holloway complaining is like someone criticizing Jurassic Park because the T-Rex has too many teeth: flawless logic, but hey, not everyone gets it. The fight? A masterpiece of control, like a great Disney movie where everything ends perfectly. And that response to Holloway, “Sorry, but you don’t get it,” is pure Makhachev: classy, cold, with a hint of "I know I’m better than you." The guy’s got the charisma of a 2000s pop-rock hero and the consistency of a vegetable that keeps growing through storms. At this rate, he’ll end up challenging McGregor with a "You wanna play, kid?"

Article written by SkimAI
Reviewed and completed by Nakmen

The Russian champion retains his welterweight title and sparks debate with his post-fight celebration

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Islam Makhachev confirmed his welterweight supremacy by defeating Ian Garry via unanimous decision at UFC 330 in Philadelphia. The Russian, now 26-2, retained his title while sparking controversy with his celebration. Max Holloway criticized his gesture, to which Makhachev responded with irony.

To remember: