Islam Makhachev has extended his superb UFC win streak to a magnificent 17 on the bounce by defeating Ian Machado Garry via unanimous decision at UFC 330 in Philadelphia.
The Russian controlled the welterweight title bout with his signature wrestling, registering seven takedowns and holding more than 12 minutes of controlling time to successfully retain his title.
Makhachev made his intentions clear very early on in the first round, taking Machado Garry down at the first time of asking and holding him against the cage for long periods of time. It was the same in the second round, where he dropped the challenger off a head kick before taking him back down to the ground.
Machado Garry showed toughness and was certainly dangerous on the feet with his strikes, registering 29 significant strikes against his opponent’s 22, but struggled to match the champion’s ability in grappling and control.
This win now takes Makhachev past the previous UFC record for most wins in a row, which previously belonged to Anderson Silva, and it improves the professional’s record to 29 wins and 1 loss.
“Ian is a good fighter, good man, and I respect him. He give me a tough time, but I prove always every fight,” said Makhachev.
Garry Machado is now dealing with his second defeat of his 19-fight career and it gives him just two losses so far. “I’ll be back,” he said.
This result only further enhances the argument for Islam Makhachev to be remembered among the greatest in UFC history.
