Many fight fans were hoping after the UFC Freedom 250 card at the White House over the weekend they’d be treated to an Ilia Topuria-Islam Makhachev mega fight at some point later this year.
But Justin Gaethje squashed those dreams with his fourth-round TKO win over Topuria on Sunday, claiming the first undisputed UFC lightweight championship of his career.
Advertisement
Now, Makhachev, the reigning UFC welterweight champion, will move onto other opponents while Topuria tries to rebound from the first defeat of his pro career.
Just days after Topuria’s loss, the 34-year-old Makhachev found out who he will be facing next — it’s one of the welterweight division’s top rising stars.
Islam Makhachev celebrates after defeating Jack Della Maddalena of Australia to win the welterweight title during UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
“Islam Makhachev and Ian Machado Garry [will be the UFC 330 main event],”UFC president Dana White announced. “This is the first time we’re back in Philly since 2019, I think, so I love it. I love going to Celtics games in Philly. The Philly fans are awesome, man. I love Philly cheese steaks… and I can’t wait to get back there. The fans are the best.”
Advertisement
Machado Garry is riding a two-fight win streak — with victories over Belal Muhammad and Carloa Prates — and he’s 17-1 in his pro career. His lone defeat came via unanimous decision to Shavkat Rakhmonov back in 2024.
He also has wins over several other top contenders including Michael “Venom” Page, Geoff Neal, and Neal Magny. A title fight was the next logical step for the upstart 28-year-old.
Conversely, Makhachev is on a 16-fight win streak which features impressive wins over Arman Tsaukyan, Dan Hooker, Alexander Volkanovski (twice), Dustin Poirier, Renato Moicano, and Jack Della Maddalena.
He’s look near unbeatable over the last decade, and outside of Machado Garry and Prates, the list of challengers at welterweight are dwindling.
Advertisement
Related Articles
