Overview
- Islam Makhachev defeated Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision on Saturday to retain the UFC welterweight title and reach a UFC-record 17 consecutive wins.
- The five-round bout saw Makhachev land a second-round head kick and close the fight with dominant back control, but analysts and his corner noted he looked more tired than usual against a larger, well-prepared Garry.
- Makhachev said he plans to stay at welterweight and wants another fight before Ramadan in late 2026, naming Carlos Prates as his preferred next opponent while also naming Michael Morales as an option; betting markets posted opening odds on both matchups.
- Javier Mendez and pundits praised Garry’s performance and argued he should remain the No. 1 contender after stuffing takedowns, showing the division’s contender order and matchmaking choices are now urgent questions for the UFC.
- A light backstage moment with coach Khabib Nurmagomedov trying on gloves briefly fueled comeback talk that Dana White dismissed and Nurmagomedov corrected on social media, while Makhachev’s two-division defenses and new streak add legacy pressure to each future matchup.