Main Event: Makhachev vs. Machado Garry
The UFC 330 event is set to take place in Philadelphia at the Xfinity Mobile Arena. The main event features Islam Makhachev defending his welterweight title against challenger Ian Machado Garry. This marks Makhachev’s first title defense since securing the 170 lbs gold last year.
Makhachev claimed the belt last year by defeating Jack Della Maddalena. Machado Garry, the challenger, secured two wins in 2025, overcoming Carlos Prates and former champion Belal Muhammad. Despite his recent victories being decided by scorecards, Machado Garry’s recent performances have positioned him for this championship opportunity.
A notable aspect of this matchup is the size difference, with Makhachev conceding four inches in height and reach to Machado Garry. Machado Garry has demonstrated effective takedown defense, precise footwork, and a strategic use of his reach. This size disparity could be a significant factor in the contest.
Michael Bisping, a UFC Hall of Famer and commentator, offered his prediction for the main event. Bisping suggested that Machado Garry’s strategy might involve maintaining distance and utilizing his jab. Conversely, he noted that Makhachev’s strength lies in his grappling, particularly when he can secure an opponent against the fence. Bisping stated that if Makhachev manages to get Machado Garry against the fence and execute a takedown, it could lead to a submission victory for Makhachev.
Makhachev is considered a favorite to retain his title. He is a -360 betting favorite, while Machado Garry is a +290 betting underdog. Makhachev’s extensive winning streak makes him a challenging opponent, and a victory would further solidify his place in UFC history.
Co-Main Event and Other Main Card Bouts
The co-main event will see Mackenzie Dern defending her strawweight title for the first time against Gillian Robertson. Dern secured the vacant title last October in Abu Dhabi, coming from behind to defeat Virna Jandiroba. A decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner, Dern has also developed her striking abilities throughout her UFC career.
Robertson enters the fight on a five-fight winning streak since returning to the strawweight division, with her most recent victory against Amanda Lemos in March. Robertson is known for her grappling prowess, holding the record for the most submission wins among female fighters in UFC history. She is also tied with Amanda Nunes for the most overall finishes in the women’s divisions, with 10.
The main card also features several other matchups. In the flyweight division, Charles Johnson will face Jose Ochoa. Johnson has been an active fighter, making multiple appearances in the last year. Ochoa has a recent stoppage win and a unanimous decision victory at UFC 328 in May.
Another main card bout pits Mansur Abdul-Malik against Dustin Stoltzfus. Both fighters are graduates of Dana White’s Contender Series and have connections to Pennsylvania. Abdul-Malik is returning to the octagon after experiencing his first professional loss.
The main card also includes Edson Barboza facing Esteban Ribovics. The preliminary card features several additional fights, including Chidi Njokuani vs. Joel Alvarez, Jalin Turner vs. Kaue Fernandes, Donte Johnson vs. Eric McConico, Vicente Luque vs. Tresean Gore, Rafael Tobias vs. Lucas Fernando, Neil Magny vs. Ramiz Brahimaj, and Jeremiah Wells vs. Myktybek Orolbai.
The event marks the first numbered UFC event in Philadelphia in over 15 years, with the last UFC event in the city being in March 2019, which featured Justin Gaethje‘s victory over Edson Barboza.
Source: ufc.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.