Unwavering! Islam Makhachev survives the curse at UFC 330; understand the broken mystique.

Makhachev focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/freak.mma

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Anyone who thinks Islam Makhachev only broke Anderson Silva 's record for the longest winning streak in UFC history is mistaken. In the main event of UFC 330 , held last Saturday (15) in Philadelphia (USA), the welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg) defeated Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision, defended the title for the first time and thus survived the curse that haunted him in the 2026 season.

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It's no secret that the current season has claimed the biggest stars of the world's largest MMA organization. Alex Poatan , Ilia Topuria , and Khamzat Chimaev all suffered heavy defeats, and with such a history, many thought that Khabib Nurmagomedov 's friend would also fall. However, Makhachev proved to be made of different stuff than the top names in Dana White's company, justifying his position at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings and expanding his legacy in the sport.

Khamzat Chimaev focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube/UFC

It all started in May when Chimaev put his middleweight title (up to 83,9 kg) on ​​the line for the first time against rival Sean Strickland . Despite being heavily favored by bookmakers to win the fight, the Russian struggled to impose his wrestling, tired, and became easy prey for the bad boy in the striking exchanges. At the end of the 25-minute fight, the American won by split decision and became a two-time champion, shocking the world. 'Borz', in turn, lost the title, his undefeated record, and dreams of a rematch.

Poatan shaken after being knocked out by Gane at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC

In June, the curse reappeared, stronger than ever, claiming two victims at the same event. At the grand and historic UFC Casa Branca , Poatan was fighting to become the first athlete to win three belts in different weight classes in the company. However, the Brazilian's debut in the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg) was a massacre. Ciryl Gane showed no mercy to the renowned striker, brutally knocking him out in the second round. Thus, the Frenchman became interim champion for the second time. On the other hand, the São Paulo native, shaken by the setback, criticized referee Herb Dean, claiming he was wronged by him and vowing not to give up on his quest for a third championship.

Topuria was punished by Gaethje in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

In the main event, many imagined that the overwhelming favorite Topuria, lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg), UFC sensation and undefeated in MMA, would destroy veteran Justin Gaethje , but what happened in the octagon was quite the opposite. Right in the White House, in front of Donald Trump, the President of the United States, the American withstood 'El Matador's' attacks and, when he did attack, he punished him. 'The Highlight', known for his aggressive style and power, hit the Georgian so hard that he simply left him unrecognizable and made his corner give up the fight in the fourth round. The athlete's feat was so magical that he earned the 'Performance of the Night' and 'Fight of the Night' bonuses.

Makhachev at the UFC press conference. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube/UFC

As a UFC star, Makhachev was asked by the press if he feared the curse, but his answer was enlightening. The Russian, who has always trained excessively, stressed that after Chimaev, Poatan, and Topuria fell, he started training even harder. And his dedication paid off. The Russian didn't have an easy time against Machado Garry, a much taller, stronger, younger, and faster opponent, but he surprised him on his feet, delivering a beautiful knockdown in the second round, and controlled him on the ground and against the cage. With such a display of grit and fight IQ, the athlete showed that he is unshakeable and unbreakable.

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