UFC 133

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Lore & Background

The event marked the promotion's fourth visit to Philadelphia, its first since UFC on ESPN: Barboza vs. Gaethje in March 2019 and first numbered event since UFC 133 in August 2011. The main event between Islam Makhachev and Ian Machado Garry was preceded by Garry refusing to trash-talk Makhachev, instead praising him as the 'best fighter walking the planet right now until proven otherwise.' Garry framed himself as the best opponent Makhachev ever faced, focusing on his own fight intelligence. When Makhachev was asked about the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Garry interrupted that Nurmagomedov would be proud, prompting ire from Makhachev. Makhachev dismissed Garry, stating he could outstrike him and promised to try to finish him in the early rounds. The fight saw Makhachev take down Garry in the first attempt, control the first round, land a head kick in the second that knocked Garry down, and survive a strong third round from Garry who bloodied Makhachev's face. The fourth round saw Makhachev struggle to control Garry, but he regained control in the fifth, taking Garry down and landing elbows and punches from the back position. Although Garry landed 29 significant strikes to Makhachev's 22, Makhachev's control convinced the judges, with two judges giving all rounds except 3 to Makhachev, and the remaining judge giving rounds 3 and 4 to Garry. With the win, Makhachev surpassed Anderson Silva's record of 16 consecutive UFC wins, a streak that ran from September 2016. Commentators were divided on whether this made Makhachev one of the greatest of all time, with Michael Chiesa arguing he surpassed Georges St. Pierre by defending his title at multiple weight classes, while former champions Chris Weidman, Dustin Poirier, and Jorge Masvidal cast doubt, noting he had fewer title defenses than other contenders.

Reader's Guide

Makhachev vs. Garry August 15, 2026 · Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA Headline: Islam Makhachev def. Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision to retain the UFC Welterweight Championship. The win gave Makhachev the longest winning streak in UFC history at 17 consecutive wins, surpassing Anderson Silva's 16-fight streak that ran from June 2006 to October 2012. • Garry entered as a respectful challenger who praised Makhachev as the best fighter walking the planet, but Makhachev dismissed him and promised an early finish. • The fight was deemed underwhelming by pundits—Jed Meshew of MMA Fighting described it as 'impressive' despite not being 'fun,' and Kevin Kinkead of Crossing Board said it was 'not an instant classic.' • Garry's repeated displays of respect earned the ire of Dana White, though he was defended by Chuck Mindenhall of Uncrowned for winning rounds off Makhachev. • Joe Rogan suggested Makhachev could return to Lightweight, noting he struggled against heavier opponents at 170 pounds. • The co-main event saw Mackenzie Dern dominate Gillian Robertson for four rounds before losing the final round, winning by unanimous decision to retain the UFC Women's Strawweight Championship.

Did You Know?

• Islam Makhachev surpassed Anderson Silva's record of 16 consecutive UFC wins, a streak Silva held for nearly 14 years from June 2006 to October 2012.
• Makhachev claimed following the fight that he weighed 182lb in the cage, despite weighing in at exactly 170lb.
• The event was the promotion's first numbered event in Philadelphia since UFC 133 in August 2011.
• Jeremiah Wells won the first fight of the event by putting Myktybek Orolbai unconscious with a ninja choke submission in the third round.
• Joe Rogan suggested after the fight that Makhachev could return to Lightweight, noting he struggled against heavier opponents at 170 pounds.