RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Islam Makhachev (left) set the record for UFC lightweight title fight victories (five) before vacating the belt in January 2025 [Getty Images]
Islam Makhachev makes the first defence of his welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in Philadelphia on Saturday.
There's also a title on the line in the co-main event when Mackenzie Dern defends her strawweight belt against Gillian Robertson.
Both fighters weighed 170lb (12st 2lb) for the contest, with Machado Garry telling booing fans they "should be grateful" about watching "two of the biggest fighters ever in this sport".
Former lightweight world champion Makhachev is looking to break Anderson Silva's record (16) for the longest win streak in UFC history.
The 34-year-old Russian described Machado Garry as his "next target" at the weigh-ins, before telling supporters he is "ready to make all people happy" with victory.
Machado Garry, 28, has won 10 of his 11 fights since making his UFC debut in 2021, with his sole loss coming against Shavkat Rakhmonov.
The Irishman, who holds an overall record of 17 wins and one defeat, is aiming to become just the second man to defeat pound-for-pound great Makhachev.
Can Makhachev make history by claiming a 17th successive win? Or will Machado Garry pull off an upset?
Tom Aspinall - UFC heavyweight champion
"Ian has to use his range but it's a tough thing to do against someone who walks forward like Islam.
"But we're talking about Islam who is still in his prime. It's a tough fight for both guys but I can't think at any point that Islam is going to lose."
Prediction - Makhachev
Speaking on Tom Aspinall's YouTube channel
Alexander Volkanovski - UFC featherweight champion
"I think Islam is going get the win. He can definitely get the submission finish. I think he can get it to the ground.
"I can see Ian Machado Garry having success in some of the stand-up. He's going to have to play a boring style to be effective and try to do it for 25 minutes.
"I think Islam eventually gets it down; he'll win rounds because of that, and not only that, he can get the finish."
Prediction - Makhachev
Speaking on Alexander Volkanovski's YouTube channel
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Daniel Rodriguez - UFC welterweight
"I definitely see Ian Machado Garry winning on the feet but Islam Makhachev is an elite grappler and I see him taking it to the ground and dominating it on there."
Prediction - Makhachev
Carlos Prates - UFC welterweight
"Ian Machado Garry is going beat Islam Makhachev by decision. I don't know unanimous decision or split decision, but it's going to be a decision."
Prediction - Machado Garry
Brandon Moreno - UFC flyweight
"It's hard to be against Islam Makhachev, it looks like the division fits perfect to him.
"Ian Machado Garry has amazing footwork, amazing head movement, a really good distance, but I think I'm going with Islam Makhachev for sure."
Prediction - Makhachev
Sean O'Malley - UFC bantamweight
"I think Ian gets it done - I think Ian's that good.
"He's so big, he's so long, and he's so confident. He's not going to go in there and get single-legged, easy dumped. He's going to scoop back, he's going to throw, and it's going to be a difficult fight. I'm excited for it."
Prediction - Machado Garry
Speaking on Sean O'Malley's YouTube channel
Mauricio Ruffy - UFC lightweight
"I think Ian Machado Garry can knock out anyone so I think he will be able to win the fight."
Prediction - Machado Garry
Jorge Masvidal - retired UFC welterweight
"I think Ian Machado Garry's getting choked to sleep. I hope Makhachev goes in there and manhandles him.
"His defence isn't bad, and his footwork is what keeps him in it, but he's never grappled with a guy like Makhachev."
Prediction - Makhachev
Speaking on the Deep Water podcast
Sean Brady - UFC welterweight
"Islam will beat Ian, he's the best - it's as simple as that. He will take Ian down and choke him."
Prediction - Makhachev
Georges St-Pierre - retired two-division UFC champion
"Ian Machado Garry is definitely a tough opponent, a very good striker, but Islam once again his goal is going to be to bring the fight to the ground.
"I think if he's [Makhachev] able to do that he's going to have an edge.
"If Ian Machado Garry is able to keep it on the feet, Ian is going to have an edge. So it's going to be interesting."
Prediction - neutral
Speaking to MMA Junkie
Matt Brown - retired UFC welterweight
"Ian is an extremely skilled guy. I think he's got championship material in him. I don't doubt that he can make this a good fight. He's just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
"Had he got a fight with Jack Della Maddalena, I think it would be 50/50. But here's Islam Makhachev, the wrong guy at the wrong time."
Prediction - Makhachev
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