Reigning UFC Welterweight Champion Islam Makhachev successfully defended his title in the main event of UFC 330, beating Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision.
The win was a history-making one for the Russian grappler as it marked his 17th consecutive victory inside the Octagon, which is a company record.
However, while the 34-year-old is still a champion, he wasn’t quite as dominant as he was down at lightweight, where he held UFC gold before vacating the title to move up to 170lbs.
Islam Makhachev ‘Tested’ at UFC 330
Credit: Zuffa LLC
Although Islam’s grappling was still effective, he struggled to keep his Irish opponent pinned to the mat in the same way that he had done to foes in the lighter weight class.
Some observers, including UFC CEO Dana White, even felt that Machado Garry could have possibly snatched the title if he had gone all out for the victory during the final round of the fight.
UFC commentator Joe Rogan spoke after the bout on why the move up to welterweight presents such a big challenge to Makhachev.
“He [Makhachev] did when he had to do. He was really tested in ways that we haven’t seen him tested before. Although he won by a healthy margin, there were moments where you’re used to Islam having a certain amount of control, and he just didn’t have it over the bigger guy.”
Joe Rogan Warns Islam Makhachev to Avoid Welterweight With ‘Nuclear Power’
The veteran podcaster went on to warn that one fighter, in particular, would be a problem for Islam.
“This was the question after the move up to 170. There are some guys like Michael Morales who are absolutely gigantic. The gap is bigger than it is with Ian Garry.
Ecuador’s Morales is undefeated as a professional, with 19 straight wins and 14 knockouts. The 27-year-old has won each of his last three UFC contests via KO, defeating names such as Neil Magny, Gilbert Burns and Sean Brady.
He is currently the number three ranked welterweight in the UFC, but Rogan urged Makhachev to steer clear of him if he wants to remain atop the 170lbs division.
“Out of the 10 victories that Garry has had in the Octagon, he’s only had three stoppages. Morales kills everybody he touches. Ian Garry doesn’t have nuclear power. Morales has nuclear power!”
Makhachev mentioned Morales’ name in his UFC 330 post-fight press conference, but appeared to dismiss the idea of facing him next, stating that he wasn’t sure when he had last fought. The Russian grappler then made it clear that he already had a date and opponent in mind for his next title defence.
Whether Morales is next in line after that fight remains to be seen, but Makhachev has admitted that he doesn’t believe he has long left in his UFC career.
Speaking before UFC 330, he declared:
“I understand I’m not 28 years old; I’m 34 right now. And I don’t have much time. Sometimes, it’s not going like you want in the UFC. You want to fight after three or four months, but it’s not according to your wish.”
Rodri is set for Barcelona after Manchester City agreed a €76.5m deal in principle, and City are already working on their midfield rebuild.
Ben Jacobs breaks down Manchester City’s advanced talks for Ayyoub Bouaddi and explains why a fresh move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez remains possible following Rodri’s departure.
There are also major updates across the transfer market, including Aston Villa’s move for Zion Suzuki, Juventus choosing Guglielmo Vicario over Emi Martinez, Liverpool’s ongoing Bradley Barcola situation and Al-Hilal’s interest in Chelsea winger Pedro Neto.
Plus, the latest on West Ham, Sunderland and Ipswich as Premier League clubs accelerate their business ahead of the new season.
Manchester United have no interest in allowing Bruno Fernandes to leave the club this summer despite interest from Galatasaray, GIVEMESPORT sources understand.
Fernandes’ future has been in the spotlight throughout the summer, with the Red Devils’ midfielder having a year left on his contract. He previously turned down a mouth-watering £65 million contract proposal to join Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal last summer.
The 31-year-old later insisted that he wanted to stay at United because of the difficult situation they found themselves in. His team finished 15th in the previous campaign, and he told Wayne Rooney that he didn’t want to jump ship during a crisis.
Last season, the Old Trafford outfit bounced back and sealed Champions League qualification after finishing third. INEOS handed Michael Carrick the managerial job full-time and these factors were thought to have led to Fernandes staying put and even signing a new contract.
Galatasaray Ready Offer For Man Utd’s Fernandes
via Reuters
GIVEMESPORT sources understand that Galatasaray are ready to test the waters with an offer of £42.8 million including add-ons for Fernandes. The Turkish giants are prepared to offer the Portugal international a lucrative four-year contract.
Fernandes has not indicated to United he wants to leave to date, and the club are not looking to engage with any club over a sale. Their stance is that he is not available for any price with just days until the new campaign begins.
The Portugal international remains Carrick’s most important player heading into his first season as permanent head coach. A release clause in his current contract, worth £55.6m, expired in July, meaning interested clubs must now make offers for the player.
Man Utd transfer targets
Given that Fernandes turned down a more lucrative offer from Al-Hilal last year, it might not be a hugely concerning situation for the Red Devils. He has the chance to captain Carrick’s team in a new Premier League era, which is perhaps the most open it has been since the now-departed Pep Guardiola arrived at Manchester City back in 2016.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
INEOS Need To Get Fernandes Future Sorted
Galatasaray’s interest in Fernandes is a wake-up call for United to sort out their skipper’s contract. While his current deal does include the option of a further year, heading into a season with his future still the subject of speculation is something INEOS should look to avoid.
Perhaps the higher-ups are prepared to part ways next summer but it doesn’t make much sense given he’s just enjoyed the best season of any post-Sir Alex Ferguson player. His record-breaking assist numbers prove he is the one whom they should be looking to build the team around.
Carrick made his feelings clear during pre-season when asked about Fernandes’ future (via BBC Sport):
“Every good team has players that have made a major impact. That’s how it is. Bruno has had that for a period of time here. We want to keep pushing and want to get the best out of Bruno and the team around him… As much as the performances, it’s how he has been around the group, how he leads and takes time to help others, especially the younger players. That comes into play.”
Bruno Fernandes (Premier League 2025-26)
Total
Appearances (Starts)
35 (35)
Goals
9
Assists
21
Goal Involvements (G+A)
30
Penalty Goals
4
Shots (On Target)
85 (24)
Touches
2,689
Pass Accuracy
82%
Corners Taken
90
Discipline
5 Yellows, 0 Reds
United are in a strong negotiating position but so far there has been no agreement over an extension for Fernandes. He’s been with the club since January 2020, arriving from Sporting CP in a £68m deal.
The Red Devils’ legendary striker is trying to forge a path as a top manager, most recently managing Leicester City in 2025. Sadly for the Dutchman, he couldn’t prevent the Foxes from relegation and he’s since been out of a job.
It’s been a big few years for the Van Nistelrooy household as Ruud had spells in charge of Man Utd and Leicester, before his son was handed a first-ever professional contract by Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven. There has been little fanfare surrounding the offspring of one of the Premier League’s greatest strikers as he used his mother’s surname, ‘Slaats’, for the majority of his youth career.
Van Nistelrooy’s Son’s Name Inspired by Man Utd Teammate
Alan Smith, Alex Ferguson and Liam Miller
During a conversation with Gary Neville on The Overlap three years ago, Van Nistelrooy was asked where the name Liam came from. A typically British and Irish name, it was an unusual choice for a Dutch family to select for their child.
The retired striker was quick to point out that he had been inspired by a former teammate at Old Trafford, Liam Miller. The Ireland-born midfielder was signed from Celtic in 2004 and clearly left a big impression on some members of the dressing room. Van Nistelrooy told Neville:
“We played with Liam at United. Liam Miller. I remember that name and I liked the name.”
Miller would only make 22 appearances for the Red Devils in two years before embarking on a journeyman career in England, Scotland and Australia. Tragically, the ex-United man passed away in 2018 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
After the devastating news of Miller’s passing, a match was played between Celtic and Manchester United, with the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs playing a part. Liam van Nistelrooy will now look to make a mark on PSV, whom his father represented for three years before moving to Old Trafford.
Liam Van Nistelrooy Goes Viral After Scoring For PSV
Ruud watched on with a beaming smile on his face as Liam, 18, scored an impressive goal for PSV’s Under-19 side to send them into the Otten Innovation Cup final.
Released with a long ball, Van Nistelrooy broke free and couldn’t be caught before delicately chipping the ball over the goalkeeper. The ice-cold finish wasn’t the only thing that mirrored his father, as many commented on the striking resemblance between the two strikers.
Statistics in this article are courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of 17-08-26.
