Islam Makhachev
Russia
Digs deep to retain UFC gold
Makhachev successfully defended the UFC Welterweight Championship on Saturday, defeating Ian Garry via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47) at UFC 330 in Philadelphia.
ANALYSIS
Islam set a new UFC record in the win, with his 17th consecutive victory for the promotion. Judge Eric Colon's 48-47 scorecard was likely the best of the bunch, which gives you an idea of how deep Makhachev had to dig to retain his title. He got off to a fast start on the strength of his wrestling game before appearing suffering an energy dump. All told, Islam landed 7-of-15 takedown attempts for 12:30 worth of control time. He was also responsible for the biggest moment of the fight with a head kick knockdown in Round 2. With the fight possibly up for grabs in Round 5, Makhachev found a pair of additional takedowns and 3:20 more of control time to ensure the win. While Islam continues to roll along, it's clear he's not as dominant from top position at 170 pounds as he was at 155 pounds. Makhachev's next title defense will likely be against either Carlos Prates or Michael Morales, a pair of massive individuals. Morales weighed in as the backup fighter for this matchup, with his services obviously not being needed.
Islam set a new UFC record in the win, with his 17th consecutive victory for the promotion. Judge Eric Colon's 48-47 scorecard was likely the best of the bunch, which gives you an idea of how deep Makhachev had to dig to retain his title. He got off to a fast start on the strength of his wrestling game before appearing suffering an energy dump. All told, Islam landed 7-of-15 takedown attempts for 12:30 worth of control time. He was also responsible for the biggest moment of the fight with a head kick knockdown in Round 2. With the fight possibly up for grabs in Round 5, Makhachev found a pair of additional takedowns and 3:20 more of control time to ensure the win. While Islam continues to roll along, it's clear he's not as dominant from top position at 170 pounds as he was at 155 pounds. Makhachev's next title defense will likely be against either Carlos Prates or Michael Morales, a pair of massive individuals. Morales weighed in as the backup fighter for this matchup, with his services obviously not being needed.
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Takes on Garry at UFC 330
Makhachev will defend the welterweight belt against Ian Garry at UFC 330 on August 15, Marcel Dorff of Heavy on Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
Makhachev previously defeated Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 to become a two-division champion. The reigning welterweight champion will now take on Ian Garry, who is making his first ever UFC title appearance. Makhachev looks to break the UFC record for consecutive wins while defending his welterweight belt for the first time.
Makhachev previously defeated Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 to become a two-division champion. The reigning welterweight champion will now take on Ian Garry, who is making his first ever UFC title appearance. Makhachev looks to break the UFC record for consecutive wins while defending his welterweight belt for the first time.
New king at 170 pounds
Makhachev won the UFC Welterweight Championship on Saturday, defeating Jack Della Maddalena via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) at UFC 322 in New York City.
ANALYSIS
In addition to becoming a two-division champion (lightweight, welterweight), Makhachev also ties Anderson Silva's UFC record with his 16th consecutive win with the company. His 170-pound debut couldn't have gone more flawlessly. He peppered Della Maddalena with some leg kicks early on to keep him off-balance and then leaned on what is arguably the best wrestling game in the business. Islam only had to attempt four takedowns, because once he tried, he landed without issue. He closed with at least 3:06 worth of control time in all five rounds and 19:10 worth of control time overall. Makhachev was draining himself to make the 155-pound lightweight limit consistently. Here, with an extra 15 pounds on his frame, he looked refreshed and sharper than ever. It was all too easy. Would guys like Michael Morales, Carlos Prates or Ian Garry represent a tougher test for Islam? Maybe, but we're talking about a guy that is literally at the very top of the pound-for-pound food chain. Makhachev mentioned fighting on the White House card next June in his post-fight interview. Of course, you're going to hear that from almost every winner from now until that event takes place.
In addition to becoming a two-division champion (lightweight, welterweight), Makhachev also ties Anderson Silva's UFC record with his 16th consecutive win with the company. His 170-pound debut couldn't have gone more flawlessly. He peppered Della Maddalena with some leg kicks early on to keep him off-balance and then leaned on what is arguably the best wrestling game in the business. Islam only had to attempt four takedowns, because once he tried, he landed without issue. He closed with at least 3:06 worth of control time in all five rounds and 19:10 worth of control time overall. Makhachev was draining himself to make the 155-pound lightweight limit consistently. Here, with an extra 15 pounds on his frame, he looked refreshed and sharper than ever. It was all too easy. Would guys like Michael Morales, Carlos Prates or Ian Garry represent a tougher test for Islam? Maybe, but we're talking about a guy that is literally at the very top of the pound-for-pound food chain. Makhachev mentioned fighting on the White House card next June in his post-fight interview. Of course, you're going to hear that from almost every winner from now until that event takes place.
Facing Della Maddalena at UFC 322
Makhachev will fight Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, which is scheduled to take place Nov. 15 in New York City, Damon Martin of MMM Fighting reports.
ANALYSIS
Makhachev has set his sights on a new challenge after defeating Renato Moicano via submission (D'arce choke) at UFC 311 in Los Angeles. He'll move up to the 170-point division to challenge Della Maddalena after Belal Muhammad was defeated in May.
Makhachev has set his sights on a new challenge after defeating Renato Moicano via submission (D'arce choke) at UFC 311 in Los Angeles. He'll move up to the 170-point division to challenge Della Maddalena after Belal Muhammad was defeated in May.
Dominant in easy title defense
Makhachev successfully defend the UFC Lightweight Championship on Saturday, defeating Renato Moicano via submission (D'arce choke) at 4:05 of Round 1 at UFC 311 in Los Angeles.
ANALYSIS
Makhachev agreed to fight Moicano on just a days' notice following the withdrawal of Arman Tsarukyan (back). He entered as north of a -1400 favorite and quickly dispatched the Brazilian without issue. Islam engaged in a stand-up battle for a few minutes before easily landing his first takedown attempt. He clamped on the choke in an instant, and Moicano tapped out almost immediately. Makhachev absorbed zero damage in this fight and could theoretically fight whenever the UFC wants him to. By far the most likely scenario is the company re-scheduling the fight between he and Tsarukyan, although Dana White did hint after the fight that Tsarukyan will have to work his way back. Still, not much else makes sense for Makhachev at the moment, unless he wishes to move up a division to seek a welterweight belt.
Makhachev agreed to fight Moicano on just a days' notice following the withdrawal of Arman Tsarukyan (back). He entered as north of a -1400 favorite and quickly dispatched the Brazilian without issue. Islam engaged in a stand-up battle for a few minutes before easily landing his first takedown attempt. He clamped on the choke in an instant, and Moicano tapped out almost immediately. Makhachev absorbed zero damage in this fight and could theoretically fight whenever the UFC wants him to. By far the most likely scenario is the company re-scheduling the fight between he and Tsarukyan, although Dana White did hint after the fight that Tsarukyan will have to work his way back. Still, not much else makes sense for Makhachev at the moment, unless he wishes to move up a division to seek a welterweight belt.
Fighting new opponent
Makhachev will face off against Renato Moicano at UFC 311 on Saturday, per UFC President Dana White.
ANALYSIS
Makhachev will defend his title against Renato Moicano after Arman Tsarukyan (back) pulled out of the fight early this morning with a back injury. The UFC Lightweight Champ will face off against the 35-year-old Brazilian, who after coming off four-straight wins, will get an unexpected title shot.
Makhachev will defend his title against Renato Moicano after Arman Tsarukyan (back) pulled out of the fight early this morning with a back injury. The UFC Lightweight Champ will face off against the 35-year-old Brazilian, who after coming off four-straight wins, will get an unexpected title shot.