Mackenzie Dern and Gillian Robertson have both successfully made weight for their UFC 330 strawweight championship bout. The fighters weighed in at 115 pounds during the official weigh-ins held in Philadelphia. This championship fight marks Dern’s initial title defense, while Robertson will be challenging for UFC gold for the first time.
The co-headliner event, scheduled for Saturday, will take place at the Xfinity Mobile Arena. Both athletes are recognized for their grappling skills, collectively holding the highest number of submission victories in a women’s UFC title contest. Their readiness for a five-round fight was evident during the weigh-in session.
Ian Machado Garry’s Welterweight Journey
Also featured at UFC 330, Ian Machado Garry is set to compete for the UFC welterweight title against Islam Makhachev. Machado Garry has consistently aimed to fulfill his career aspirations, having previously articulated his intentions to make a significant impact in the sport.
Before joining the UFC, Machado Garry built his career through Cage Warriors, a path many European talents have followed. His performances and self-proclaimed nickname, “The Future,” generated considerable attention. He eventually secured the Cage Warriors welterweight title, a period that also saw a notable change in his training environment.
A significant moment in his early career involved a split from his long-term team, Team KF, led by former Ultimate Fighter contestant Chris Fields. This situation drew increased scrutiny as he prepared for his title fight against Jack Grant. Following his championship win, Machado Garry signed with the UFC and relocated to South Florida, joining Kill Cliff FC.
His UFC debut occurred at UFC 268 in Madison Square Garden, New York City, where he faced Jordan Williams. This matchup was considered strategic, providing a suitable challenge for the incoming Irish fighter without posing an overwhelming threat. Despite not being a flawless performance, Machado Garry secured a victory in the final seconds of the first round, articulating his ambition to become a world champion at the age of 23.
Rising Through the Ranks
Following his debut, Machado Garry made five additional appearances over the next two years, securing wins in each bout and steadily ascending the rankings. These fights, including those against Darian Weeks and Gabe Green, provided him with valuable experience inside the Octagon. He demonstrated resilience in a challenging fight against Song Kenan and showcased his capability against higher-level competition by defeating Daniel Rodriguez and dominating Neil Magny.
By 2024, Machado Garry was nearing the Top 5 in his division, aligning with his stated career objectives. Tactical victories over Geoff Neal and Michael “Venom” Page positioned him for a main event assignment against Joaquin Buckley. However, an unexpected opportunity arose when he stepped in on short notice to fight Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310, following the withdrawal of champion Belal Muhammad.
Although he did not win against Rakhmonov, the fight affirmed his ability to compete with top contenders. A little over four months later, Machado Garry headlined his first main event, defeating knockout artist Carlos Prates by decision in Kansas City. He then secured another victory against former champion Muhammad in Qatar in November, solidifying his position as a potential challenger for Makhachev’s title defense.
Machado Garry’s career trajectory has been marked by a strong belief in his own path, as reflected in a quote he favors: “I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations; I’m here to live up to mine.” This mindset has characterized his journey, leading him to this championship opportunity at UFC 330.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.