UFC 330 Welterweight Clash
Makhachev Aims for UFC Win Record in Welterweight Title Fight Against Garry at UFC 330
Islam Makhachev and Ian Machado Garry will meet in a five-round welterweight title fight at UFC 330, set for Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, according to Times Record News. The main card starts at 9 p.m. ET on Paramount+. Makhachev enters on a 16-fight win streak dating back to September 17, 2016 — and a victory could set the UFC record for most consecutive wins.
Garry is a sizable underdog but brings real statistical edges to the cage. He holds a 4-inch reach advantage and lands 4.78 significant strikes per minute, well ahead of Makhachev's 2.45, according to Providence Journal. Still, Makhachev's elite grappling — averaging 3.10 takedowns per fight compared to Garry's 0.92 — makes him a steep favorite.
Makhachev's Record-Breaking Win Streak on the Line
Makhachev has not lost since September 2016. He has won 16 straight fights since that date, according to Oklahoman. A win at UFC 330 would make him the fighter with the most consecutive victories in UFC history. That record alone adds enormous stakes to this already high-profile title defense.
Makhachev moved up from lightweight to welterweight for this bout. The jump in weight class is a bold move. It shows his confidence that his wrestling and submission game will translate at 170 pounds, according to North Jersey.
Garry's Striking Stats Give Him a Real Shot
Garry lands 4.78 significant strikes per minute. Makhachev lands just 2.45. That gap is hard to ignore, according to Coloradoan. Garry also has a 4-inch reach advantage, which lets him keep distance and pick his spots. If the fight stays standing, Garry has a clear edge on the feet.
Garry's takedown defense will be key. He averages just 0.92 takedowns per fight, a sign that he rarely shoots — but it also raises questions about how he handles being taken down. Makhachev will likely look to drag him to the mat early and often, according to Sheboygan Press.
Takedown Battle Will Likely Decide the Championship
Makhachev averages 3.10 takedowns per fight, according to Wausau Daily Herald. That is more than three times Garry's rate of 0.92. Once Makhachev gets a fight to the ground, he is extremely hard to stop. His submission skills are among the best in the sport at any weight class.
Garry must keep the fight on the feet to have his best chance. If he can use his reach and striking pace to keep Makhachev at bay, he could win rounds. But surviving five rounds against a grappler of Makhachev's level — especially at a new weight class — is a tall order, according to Naples News.
How to Watch and What the Odds Say
UFC 330 airs live on Paramount+ with the main card beginning at 9 p.m. ET, according to Stevens Point Journal. The event is held at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. Makhachev is a heavy favorite given his unbeaten run and elite ground game. Garry is the long shot but not without tools to cause an upset.
Both fighters are southpaws, which sets up an interesting mirror-match dynamic on the feet. Garry's striking speed and reach could frustrate Makhachev early. But analysts widely expect Makhachev to grind out the victory through relentless wrestling and grappling pressure, according to The Leaf Chronicle.
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