Islam Makhachev cemented his status as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world with a commanding victory over Ian Machado Garry to defend his welterweight title at UFC 330 in Philadelphia.
Russian Makhachev dominated large portions of the fight in Pennsylvania to win by unanimous decision for a historic 17th successive UFC win, breaking Anderson Silva's 13-year record.
The victory at the Xfinity Mobile Arena ended Machado Garry's quest to become the first Irish champion in the UFC since Conor McGregor.
Makhachev, who is a former lightweight world champion, extended his glittering record to 29 wins and one defeat, while 28-year-old Machado Garry suffered the second loss of his 19-fight career.
"Ian is a great fighter, good man and I respect him. He gave me a hard time but I still prove every fight," said 34-year-old Makhachev.
The bout was billed as a classic grappler versus striker match-up, with Makhachev's signature wrestling providing the backbone for his dominant run in the UFC.
Despite Makhachev's record, Machado Garry displayed typical confidence as he made his walkout, before greeting his wife and draping an Ireland flag around him prior to entering the octagon.
Makhachev was greeted by loud cheers as he made his walkout and made a statement in the first round as he took Machado Garry down at the first attempt.
The Irishman defended on the ground admirably, but it was a sign of things to come as Makhachev controlled the rest of the round with the challenger trapped against the side of the cage.
Makhachev's dominance continued into the second round as he knocked Machado Garry down with a head kick, before slamming the dazzled Irishman to the canvas.
Again Machado Garry survived until the end of the round and although he found some success with a number of kicks midway through the fight, Makhachev continued to assert control when the pair grappled.
Machado Garry bloodied Makhachev's face with some punches in the clinch, but the Russian shrugged it off to reach the final bell ahead in a number of key stats.
He secured seven unanswered takedowns and clocked over 12 minutes of control time to Machado Garry's 34 seconds.
Although the Irishman landed 29 significant strikes to Makhachev's 22, it was not enough to convince the judges of the win.
In a show of respect, the pair embraced before Machado Garry raised Makhachev's arm in victory.
"To all my fans, Ireland, everybody, I'm sorry I couldn't get this done," said Machado Garry.
"But I stand here as a man proud of what I've done, proud of where I came from and proud where this will take me. To all the fans who doubt me, I'll be back."
At 28, Machado Garry has plenty of time to realise his dream of becoming a UFC champion, while Makhachev's victory adds weight to claims he's closing in on being regarded as the greatest UFC fighter of all time.
