Islam
Makhachev has responded to Max
Holloway’s criticism of his post-fight celebration.
Makhachev successfully defended the
Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight title against
Ian
Garry at UFC
330, earning a unanimous decision win in Philadelphia. The
Russian was seen holding two belts as he was announced the victor,
which Holloway called into question.
Islam Makhachev answers Max Holloway’s criticism after UFC
330
Holloway was quick to question Makhachev posing with two belts
despite vacating his lightweight title last year.
“Why the f*ck do you have two belts? For aura? You’re just
defending one belt, bro,” Holloway said during a recent Kick
stream.
Makhachev was quick to react, taking a sly dig at the former
featherweight and BMF champ.
“I don’t know bro,” Makhachev commented on Instagram. “It’s even
too heavy to hold. But you don’t understand, sorry.”
Makhachev vacated the lightweight championship last year after four
successful defenses. He subsequently moved up to welterweight,
captured the 170-pound strap by dethroning Jack
Della Maddalena and has now defended the 170-pound championship
once. He’s indicated that he wants to compete again before Ramadan
and is targeting Carlos
Prates for his next title defense.
Holloway’s last bout was also at welterweight. The Hawaiian’s
rematch with Conor
McGregor at
UFC 329 ended in anticlimactic fashion as the Irishman suffered
an injury early, prompting a referee stoppage just over a minute
into the bout.
Hawaii vs Dagestan next? 😳 pic.twitter.com/Ff9Yis8SkA
— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount)
August 17, 2026