Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov celebrate their victory at UFC 330. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Islam Makhachev defeated Ian Machado Garry and joined the select list of fighters who have defended two belts in the Ultimate. The Russian was the protagonist of the main fight of UFC 330 , held last Saturday (15), and controlled the actions against the Irishman before having the victory confirmed by the judges' decision . In the celebration, the champion raised both belts, an attitude that did not go unnoticed by Max Holloway.
During a live stream on the 'Kick' platform, the former featherweight champion (up to 65,7 kg) questioned Makhachev's holding of two belts. Holloway argued that, although the Russian won the welterweight title (up to 70,3 kg) while he was the lightweight champion (up to 70.3 kg), the achievement was temporary and that, currently, the fighter would only be defending one belt.
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“Why do you have two belts? To create an aura? I mean, it is what it is, man. I mean, you're a double champion, but you're not. That was temporary, but now you're just defending one belt, man,” said Max Holloway.
Makhachev's history in MMA
Islam Makhachev , 34, is a UFC double champion and an MMA legend. With four successful title defenses, the Russian holds the record in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg). He began his career in the sport in 2010 and debuted in the UFC's biggest organization in 2015.
In this discipline, Khabib Nurmagomedov 's friend built a record of 29 wins and one loss. The welterweight champion's main victories were over Alexander Volkanovski (twice), Arman Tsarukyan , Charles Oliveira , Dustin Poirier , Ian Machado Garry , Jack Della Maddalena , and Renato Moicano.
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