Makhachev defeated Harry Machado and set a UFC record for consecutive wins
Russia's Islam Makhachev defended his UFC welterweight title by defeating Ireland's Ian Machado Harry by unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 330 in Philadelphia. The judges’ scorecards were 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47.
According to Al Jazeera English, this victory marked Makhachev’s 17th consecutive win in the UFC. He surpassed the record set by UFC Hall of Famer Anderson Silva, who racked up 16 consecutive wins between 2006 and 2013.
Makhachev controlled the five-round bout through wrestling and ground control, combining these with strikes while standing. In the second round, he landed a powerful kick to his opponent’s head. Harry Machado defended well during ground exchanges but was unable to demonstrate enough effective action to sway the judges in his favor.
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“I have nothing but respect for Islam. He won. I have no complaints or excuses,” said Harry Machado after the decision was announced. Makhachev called it a tough victory over the challenger in the championship rounds.
In the co-main event, UFC women’s flyweight champion Mackenzie Dern successfully defended her title for the first time, defeating Canadian Jillian Robertson by unanimous decision as well—49-46, 49-46, 48-47. Dern controlled the action on the ground and came close to securing a rear-naked choke in the first round just before the bell rang.
