UFC Sets Makhachev Title Defense Against Ian Machado Garry, Adds Dern-Robertson Co-Main Event

UFC has announced a major card for UFC 330, where welterweight champion Islam Makhachev will defend his belt against Ian Machado Garry. The event comes as the promotion continues lining up high-profile fights following its UFC White House show and ahead of Conor McGregor’s planned return in the coming weeks.

The matchup drew attention because Garry recently spoke out against antisemitic abuse he said flooded the comments on his social media posts. He said he chose to disable comments because of the hate. “I thought we learned long ago, in the 1940s, that this is not okay. I closed the comments on my posts to control it. No one should come to my page and spread hate, we need to keep peace,” he said.

The report also notes that Makhachev himself has previously voiced support for Palestine and criticized Israel, including statements made weeks after October 7. That background adds another layer to what is expected to be a major title fight.

UFC also confirmed a second championship bout for the same event. Mackenzie Dern, the strawweight champion, will make her first title defense against Gillian Robertson. That fight will serve as the co-main event on August 15 in Philadelphia.