Afghanistan, Aug. 16 -- Islam Makhachev made UFC history on Saturday by recording his 17th consecutive victory, surpassing Anderson Silva's previous record of 16, while successfully defending his welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in Philadelphia. Makhachev won by unanimous decision, with the judges scoring the five-round bout 49-46, 49-46 and 48-47.
The victory strengthened Makhachev's position as one of the UFC's most dominant fighters, but it was far from routine. Garry, a 28-year-old Irish challenger, repeatedly resisted Makhachev's takedown attempts and used his size, reach and striking to make the champion work throughout the fight.
Makhachev's grappling remained the defining feature of the contest. His ability ...