Coming off one of the biggest weekends in the history of the UFC. The MMA leader wasted no time keeping the fans fed, announcing the main and co-main events for UFC 330.
The August numbered event features the UFC’s return to Philadelphia. The first time fighting in the city of brotherly love since 2019. Ironically enough, the last time the UFC was in Philly, Justin Gaethje was in the main event. Gaethje knocked out Edson Barbosa on the night, and Edson Barbosa is also on this Philadelphia card.
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With the UFC is now returning to Philadelphia for the first time in seven years. The UFC had to bring big matchups, and they certainly have.
Welterweight title: Islam Makhachev vs Ian Machado Garry
The main event of UFC 330 features the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world, Welterweight Champion Islam Makhachev. The first title defense for Makhachev comes against Ireland’s Ian Machado Garry. Garry is the rightful challenger, riding a two-fight win streak, with wins against former champ Belal Muhammad and rising star Carlos Prates.
Stylistically, this matchup should be more interesting than Makhachev’s last fight against Jack Della Maddalena. Ian Machado Garry offers a more well-rounded skillset. Primarily a striker, but Garry has an underrated grappling game as well.
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No, Ian Machado Garry’s grappling isn’t on the level of Islam Makhachev’s, but in a best-case scenario for Garry, it’s good enough to keep the fight standing.
Islam Makhachev is a huge favorite, and rightfully so, but this summer has been the summer of underdogs in the UFC. Just the last two months have been perfect examples of how anything can happen in MMA.
Sean Strickland beating Khamzat Chimaev and Justin Gaethje beating Ilia Topuria were massive upsets. Maybe Ian Machado Garry can keep this trend going.
Strawweight title: Makenzie Dern vs Gillian Robertson
UFC 330’s co-main event features Makenzie Dern’s first title defense. Dern will defend the Strawweight strap against a seasoned veteran in Gillian Robertson. Many thought that Dern’s first title defense would be against former Strawweight Champion Zhang Weili. Since Dern isn’t fighting Weili, it feels like a matchup she can thrive in. Neither Dern nor Robertson is elite in the striking department. Dern can be scrappy on the feet, but like Robertson, operates best on the ground.
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This is the first women’s title fight this year, which is a little unusual compared to years past. It makes sense to a degree, though. Women’s Bantamweight Champion Kayla Harrison would’ve fought on the UFC White House card had she not suffered a neck injury.
