Makhachev denies retirement talk, faces Garry at UFC 330

Islam Makhachev has dismissed speculation about his retirement, declaring he plans to continue fighting as long as his health allows, ahead of his first UFC welterweight title defense against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 on Sunday, August 16, 2026. The event at Philadelphia's Xfinity Mobile Arena marks a significant chapter in the ongoing rivalry between fighters from Ireland and Dagestan.

At a press conference on August 13, tension between the champion and challenger escalated. When Garry offered praise for Makhachev's late coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, the champion abruptly told him to "Shut up." Makhachev also addressed the hostile reception Garry received from the Philadelphia crowd, stating, "Nobody likes Ian Garry, myself also." Garry, unfazed, told the audience that they would change their tune after his victory.

Makhachev, a two-division champion, enters the bout with a 28-1 record and a 16-fight UFC winning streak, which would tie Anderson Silva's mark with a victory. He firmly rejected ideas that he might retire after this fight, which some, including commentator Joe Rogan, had suggested. "No, no, no. I told you I like to be UFC champion and we're still going,"...