RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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UFC 330 is in the rearview mirror, and the welterweight champion remains the same. Islam Makhachev defended his title against Ian Machado Garry via unanimous decision. Makhachev used his signature Sambo wrestling style to control Garry early in the fight.
The highlight of the night was in the second round, when Makhachev caught Garry with a head kick after breaking the clinch. The fight seemed over right there, but Garry fought his way back into the contest.
MORE: UFC 330 results: Islam Makhachev rides out title defense, Mackenzie Dern dominates
In the third and fourth rounds, Garry’s takedown defense improved, and with that, his overall confidence. Garry doubled Makhachev in significant strikes for Rounds 3 and 4, totaling 16 to Makhachev’s 8.
Even with the damage advantage, Garry was controlled for too long in the fight and ultimately lost. Now it’s time to look toward the future; huge fights are in store for both main event participants, and the rest of the card.
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Islam Makhachev vs. Carlos Prates (welterweight championship)
Nov 15, 2025; New York, NY, UNITED STATES; Carlos Prates (blue gloves) reacts after defeating Leon Edwards (not pictured) in the welterweight bout during UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters) There’s a logjam at the top of the 170-pound division. Two contenders are worthy of a title shot at welterweight right now: Michael Morales and Carlos Prates have devastated the welterweight division thus far.
Both fighters have knocked out their last three opponents, but Prates has the more impressive resume. Two of Prates’ last three foes are former champions: Leon Edwards and, most recently, Jack Della Maddalena.
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Morales’ best win is against Sean Brady, who is exceptional and was ranked No. 1 at the time but doesn’t have championship experience.
Makhachev has stated he wants to remain active and fight before Ramadan. So a fight with Prates in January would be perfect.
Ian Machado Garry vs. Gabriel Bonfim-Sean Brady winner (welterweight)
Apr 26, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, UNITED STATES; Ian Machado Garry (red gloves) prepares to fight Carlos Prates. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters) After a valiant effort against the best fighter on the planet, Ian Machado Garry shouldn’t have to go on a long winning streak to get back toward the title. Garry already has a win over Prates as well, so there’s plenty left for him at the top of the division.
Gabriel Bonfim vs. Sean Brady was announced live on the UFC 330 broadcast. The No. 5 and No. 6 contenders will square off in Las Vegas at the Meta Apex. The winner of this fight will look for a No. 1 contender fight. Who better to face than the last contender to fight for the title?
Mackenzie Dern vs. Zhang Weili (strawweight championship)
Feb 17, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Mackenzie Dern before fighting against Amanda Lemos during UFC 298 at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect (Reuters) Mackenzie Dern defended her strawweight title for the first time at UFC 330. After a dominant victory over Gilliam Robertson in which Dern dominated both on the feet and on the ground, the biggest challenge awaits.
Despite now defending her strawweight title, Dern never actually beat the champ to become the champ. Zhang Weili vacated her strawweight title to try and become a two-weight champion. Weili fell short at 125 against Valentina Shevchenko.
Now the clear move is to come back down to 115 pounds and win back the title Weili held for so long. She can walk into a title shot whenever she pleases, and no one will bat an eye.
Jalin Turner vs. Mateusz Gamrot (lightweight)
Mar 8, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Jalin Turner (red gloves) prepares to fight Ignacio Bahamondes. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters) Jalin Turner returns after a short-lived retirement and comes back with a bang. With the first left hand landed, Turner dropped and finished Kaue Fernandes in the first round. Before his retirement in 2025, Turner was a consensus top-15 lightweight in the world.
Now back and looking as good as ever, ranked opposition should be next. Mateusz Gamrot is coming off a recent loss to the surging Quillan Salkilld in August 2026, which means a fight down in the rankings should be in store.
Turner couldn’t have reintroduced himself better, and the matchup offers the intrigue of a striker vs. grappler matchup.
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