UFC 330 Preview: Ian Machado Garry Challenges Islam Makhachev for Welterweight Throne

Islam Makhachev makes his first welterweight title defence against Ian Machado Garry in the headliner of UFC 330.

Philadelphia hosts a UFC event for the first time in over seven years, dating back to when Justin Gaethje knocked out Edson Barboza at the Wells Fargo Center.

It's not the first time Russia vs Ireland has main evented a UFC numbered card, with the unforgettable rivalry between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor stealing the show at UFC 229.

While there is none of the animosity that surrounded UFC 229, it's a similar story in the Octagon, with the Russian champion entering as the favourite against the Irish challenger.

Makhachev has displayed dominance throughout his career, as well as competing in a few back-and-forth wars which have earned him respect in the UFC.

The 34-year-old earned two-division champion status in his last fight with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322.

The UFC Welterweight Champion is just one win away from breaking a major record, as he's currently tied with Anderson Silva for the longest winning streak in UFC history at 16.

Therefore, a triumph over Machado Garry would see Makhachev surpass the record, while also making him the first fighter to defend a title in both the lightweight and welterweight divisions.

With 28 victories, Makhachev has stopped 18 of his opponents, with five by KO/TKO and 13 by submission, and his grappling could once again prove crucial against the challenger.

However, the Dagestan-born fighter isn't afraid to test his opponents on the feet, especially against strikers, which he has proved in his battles against Alexander Volkanovski and Dustin Poirier.

'The Future' has been a shining star ever since his UFC debut at Madison Square Garden in 2021.

From defeating former champion Belal Muhammad, to beating a dangerous contender like Carlos Prates, to conquering a tricky opponent like Michael 'Venom' Page, Machado Garry has proved he is a worthy welterweight contender.

The Portmarnock-born mixed martial artist has been in and around title contention ever since his short-notice fight with Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310, which remains the only loss of his MMA career.

The 28-year-old is looking to join his idol McGregor by becoming the second Irishman to become UFC Champion, but he has a tricky test ahead of him to make that accomplishment happen.

Machado Garry's last six battles have gone to a decision, showing his ability to compete over longer contests.

Despite being primarily a striker in the Octagon, the number two contender isn't afraid to grapple against wrestlers and often showcases good takedown defence, which could prove vital against Makhachev.

In the co-main event, Mackenzie Dern aims to make her first successful title defence against Canadian star Gillian Robertson.

The UFC Strawweight Champion claimed her crowning moment at UFC 321 after defeating Virna Jandiroba by unanimous decision.

Half of Dern's victories have come by submission, with the champion proving to be a crafty submission artist.

Robertson is currently on a five-fight winning streak and earned her shot at the title after beating Amanda Lemos at UFC Vegas 114.

'The Savage' is also a deadly submission specialist but has picked up two TKO wins during her impressive run, giving her another avenue to cause problems for the champion.

With both women possessing dangerous submission games, this title fight could see both fighters test their jiu-jitsu skills, while also being willing to strike when necessary.

A main card bout which seems to have a post-fight bonus written all over it is the lightweight matchup between Edson Barboza and Esteban Ribovics.

Both men are coming off stoppage losses and will be eager for redemption, especially with Barboza recognised for his spectacular knockouts and Ribovics known for his electrifying three-round wars.

Another lightweight fight, this time on the preliminary card, which should be an exciting watch is Jalin Turner vs Kaue Fernandes.

Turner made his return from retirement in his last battle to win by first-round knockout, while Fernandes looks to extend his three-fight winning streak after beating former Cage Warriors Champion Harry Hardwick in his last contest.

The main event of UFC 330 could see Islam Makhachev further strengthen his place among the greatest fighters in UFC history or Ian Machado Garry pull off an incredible upset to become Ireland's second UFC champion.

UFC 330 takes place at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Saturday, August 15, with UK viewers watching into the early hours of Sunday, August 16.

The early prelims are scheduled to begin at 10:30pm BST, followed by the prelims at midnight and the UFC 330 main card at 2am.

UFC 330 will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and HBO Max. Fans can also access TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky and Virgin Media.

Main Card - 2am BST
Islam Makhachev (c) vs Ian Machado Garry - UFC Welterweight Championship
Mackenzie Dern (c) vs Gillian Robertson - UFC Women's Strawweight Championship
Mansur Abdul-Malik vs Dustin Stoltzfus
Edson Barboza vs Esteban Ribovics

Prelims - 12am BST
Donte Johnson vs Eric McConico
Jalin Turner vs Kaue Fernandes
Vicente Luque vs Tresean Gore

Early Prelims - 10:30pm BST
Jeremiah Wells vs Myktybek Orolbai
Neil Magny vs Ramiz Brahimaj
Rafael Tobias vs Lucas Fernando