Islam Makhachev defends welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330

Islam Makhachev makes the first defence of his welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in Philadelphia on Saturday.

There's also a title on the line in the co-main event when Mackenzie Dern defends her strawweight belt against Gillian Robertson.

Both fighters weighed 170lb (12st 2lb) for the contest, with Machado Garry telling booing fans they "should be grateful" about watching "two of the biggest fighters ever in this sport".

Former lightweight world champion Makhachev is looking to break Anderson Silva's record (16) for the longest win streak in UFC history.

The 34-year-old Russian described Machado Garry as his "next target" at the weigh-ins, before telling supporters he is "ready to make all people happy" with victory.

Machado Garry, 28, has won 10 of his 11 fights since making his UFC debut in 2021, with his sole loss coming against Shavkat Rakhmonov.

The Irishman, who holds an overall record of 17 wins and one defeat, is aiming to become just the second man to defeat pound-for-pound great Makhachev.

Can Makhachev make history by claiming a 17th successive win? Or will Machado Garry pull off an upset?

"I think Islam is going get the win. He can definitely get the submission finish. I think he can get it to the ground.

"I can see Ian Machado Garry having success in some of the stand-up. He's going to have to play a boring style to be effective and try to do it for 25 minutes.

"I think Islam eventually gets it down; he'll win rounds because of that, and not only that, he can get the finish."

Prediction - Makhachev

Speaking on Alexander Volkanovski's YouTube channel

"Ian is an extremely skilled guy. I think he's got championship material in him. I don't doubt that he can make this a good fight. He's just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"Had he got a fight with Jack Della Maddalena, I think it would be 50/50. But here's Islam Makhachev, the wrong guy at the wrong time."

Prediction - Makhachev

Speaking on The Fighter vs The Writer podcast