The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight champion Islam Makhachev (34, Russia) is gearing up for a shot at the record for most consecutive wins in the promotion.
On August 16, Makhachev will put his title on the line for the first time against top-ranked contender Ian Machado Garry (28, Ireland) in the main event of UFC 330 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Makhachev, who captured the welterweight crown by defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 last November, adding to his lightweight title, now faces his inaugural title defense.
Currently tied with former UFC middleweight king Anderson Silva at 16 straight victories, Makhachev could etch his name in the history books with a win, extending his streak to an unprecedented 17.
This clash is drawing parallels to the highly anticipated 2018 bout between then-lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor.
Makhachev, who honed his skills under the tutelage of Khabib and his father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov from a young age, will face Machado Garry, who was inspired to pursue Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) by his countryman McGregor.
At the media day, Makhachev sized up his opponent, stating that Ian’s got solid striking and wrestling defense, but he’s got some holes. He’s not the complete package like himself.
He confidently added that it’ll be a good scrap, but he’s got a few tricks up his sleeve to take him out.
Machado Garry offered his take, saying that Islam’s gameplan is to get him to the mat, while he needs to keep it standing. It’s all about who can impose their will and control where the fight takes place.
In the co-main event, strawweight champ Mackenzie Dern (33, USA/Brazil) looks to defend her belt for the first time against fifth-ranked Gillian Robertson (31, Canada).