Islam Makhachev's Two-Belt Celebration After UFC 330 Win Questioned by Max Holloway

Islam Makhachev’s two-belt celebration after beating Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 has caught the attention of Max Holloway. Makhachev successfully defended his welterweight title in Philadelphia. However, Holloway questioned why the Russian was posing with two championship belts after the victory. Holloway pointed out that Makhachev is a former lightweight champion but only defended one title on the night. His comments has added another talking point to Makhachev’s historic victory. The Russian secured a unanimous decision win and extended his UFC winning streak to 17 fights. Max Holloway questions why Islam Makhachev celebrated with both his belts after UFC 330 win Max Holloway did not appear impressed by Islam Makhachev holding two UFC championship belts after his win over Ian Machado Garry. Makhachev entered UFC 330 as the welterweight champion. He had moved up to the 170-pound division after previously ruling the lightweight division. The Russian vacated the lightweight title before making his move to welterweight. After beating Garry, Makhachev was seen celebrating with two championship belts. That moment caught Holloway’s attention. The former UFC featherweight champion questioned the decision on social media in a livestream. “Why the f**k do you have two belts? Aura? I mean you are double champ but now you just defended one belt”, he said. Holloway’s criticism focused on the fact that Makhachev was defending only his welterweight championship in Philadelphia. The second belt represented his previous achievement at lightweight. Makhachev defeated Garry by unanimous decision after five rounds at the Xfinity Mobile Arena. The victory further strengthened his position among the UFC’s elite fighters. The Russian controlled much of the contest with his wrestling. He secured seven unanswered takedowns. He also recorded more than 12 minutes of control time. Garry had moments of his own. The Irishman landed 29 significant strikes compared with Makhachev’s 22. He also managed to survive several difficult positions on the ground. Makhachev, however, remained in control for long periods. He even dropped Garry with a head kick in the second round before taking him back to the canvas. The judges eventually awarded Makhachev a unanimous decision victory. The result improved his professional record to 29 wins and one defeat. It was also his 17th straight UFC victory. For Garry, the defeat was the second of his professional career. He had hoped to become the first Irish UFC champion since Conor McGregor. Despite the loss, Garry showed respect to Makhachev after the fight. The two fighters embraced before Garry raised the champion’s arm. Makhachev also praised his opponent after the contest. “Ian is a great fighter, good man and I respect him. He gave me a hard time but I still prove every fight,” Makhachev said. The victory has now added more weight to Makhachev’s claim to be one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. However, Holloway’s comments have shifted some attention away from the win and toward Makhachev’s two-belt celebration.