Islam
Makhachev was pushed to the limit in his first welterweight
title defense in the
Ultimate Fighting Championship.
The Russian retained his title at UFC
330, winning via decision after a back-and-forth five-round
battle against Ian Garry,
once again relying on his wrestling to control the challenger.
Makhachev later praised Garry and his team, commending their
efforts in shutting down multiple takedown and submission
attempts.
Makhachev weighs Garry’s challenge against Alexander
Volkanovski
In his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Makhachev acknowledged
that Garry gave him a “hard” fight, but stopped short of anointing
it the toughest of his career, hinting at his first bout with
Alexander
Volkanovski being on par, if not more challenging.
“Yeah, he’s a great fighter, good man and I just respect him,”
Makhachev said. “He gave me a hard time, but I still prove every
fight.”
The Dagestani also credited Garry’s coach, former UFC fighter
Demian
Maia, for the Irishman’s grappling improvements.
“He improved a lot,” Makhachev added. “He is working with one of
the best fighter coaches, Demian Maia. That’s why I see he improved
his grappling also.”
The victory extended Makhachev’s UFC winning streak to 17 fights, a
new record. Meanwhile, Garry has to work his way back into title
contention, with Carlos
Prates and Michael
Morales now gunning for the 170-pound title.