Just three days away from one of the biggest title fights of 2026. UFC 330 takes place this Saturday night on Paramount +. For the first time since 2019, the MMA giant lands in Philadelphia. Along with the return, the UFC has brought the pound-for-pound No. 1 fighter in the world.
Islam Makhachev defends his welterweight title against the No. 1 contender in the world. Ian Machado Garry. The fight itself is as fascinating as it gets stylistically. Machado Garry has the advantage in striking on paper. Makhachev definitely has the ground advantage.
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Machado Garry historically has great takedown defense. Even so, it will be tested more than ever on Saturday night.
MMA: UFC 322-Maddalena vs Makhachev
Nov 15, 2025; New York, NY, UNITED STATES; Islam Makhachev (blue gloves) celebrates after defeating Jack Della Maddalena (not pictured) by unanimous decision in the welterweight championship bout during UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The most intriguing piece of this weekend could be what happens after the fight itself. Makhachev is the protégé and teammate of Khabib Nurmagomedov, who retired early in his career after his father died.
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Because Nurmagomedov retired early and is close with Makhachev, some believe that the current welterweight champion could take a similar path.
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Islam Makhachev’s future after UFC 330
MMA: UFC 322-Maddalena vs Makhachev
Nov 15, 2025; New York, NY, UNITED STATES; Islam Makhachev (blue gloves) celebrates after defeating Jack Della Maddalena (not pictured) in the welterweight championship bout during UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
On “The JRE MMA Show” hosted by Rogan, he brought up the idea of Makhachev retiring after UFC 330.
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Explaining his stance, Rogan said, “Islam may retire; he may retire. He’s done a lot, he’s competed in two different weight classes and won world championships in two different weight classes. If he beats Ian, he submits Ian and says I’ve had enough; I’m gonna do what Khabib did. I could see that.”
It’s certainly a valid thought process, since Makhachev is Khabib’s direct protégé. That being said, Makhachev spoke against this idea just over a week ago.
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Additionally, Rogan even put together a potential vacant 170-pound title fight, and it’d be pure fireworks. The UFC color commentator suggested a fight between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales, the two worthy contenders for the welterweight title after UFC 330.
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Furthermore, that fight could be one of the most entertaining striking matchups in UFC history. Both fighters are so precise with their timing and techniques, and they also carry enormous power.
Why Joe Rogan is Wrong
MMA: UFC Freedom 250 – Weigh-Ins
Jun 13, 2026; Washington, D.C., USA; Master of ceremonies Joe Rogan during weigh-ins for the UFC Freedom 250 at The Ellipse. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Speaking with MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn, Makhachev shut down retirement rumors. Clearing the air, Makhachev said, “Somebody put the fake news I’m going to retire after this fight. No, it’s not true; I want to keep going.”
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Ultimately, the sport is better with Makhachev in it. He’s a huge draw, and while he has had boring fights before, most of his fights are filled with action and intrigue. All-time greats shouldn’t ever be taken for granted, and Islam Makhachev is on his way to GOAT status.
A win this weekend for Makhachev would break the all-time consecutive win streak record in the UFC. Makhachev is currently tied with the legendary Anderson Silva with 16 consecutive victories. With a 17th win, Makhachev would be one of the top-four fighters ever.
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