Dana White confirms Islam Makhachev vs Ian Machado Garry to headline UFC 330 world title double-header

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Dana White confirms Islam Makhachev vs Ian Machado Garry to headline UFC 330 world title double-header

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Donagh Corby | Last updated Jun 17, 2026 4:23 PM ET

Dana White has revealed that Islam Makhachev will defend his welterweight title for the first time this August.

Rumors had abounded for months prior to White’s appearance on The Pat McAfee Show this afternoon, with Michael Morales and Carlos Prates both in the running. However, the boss confirmed that number one contender Ian Machado Garry will finally get his shot at the gold.

The fight will headline UFC 330 on August 15 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. It will be the first UFC event in Philadelphia since 2019, with Mackenzie Dern and Gillian Robertson fighting for the strawweight title in the co-main event.

Islam Makhachev vs Ian Machado Garry to headline UFC 330

Last year, Islam Makhachev gave up his lightweight title to pursue a second world title at welterweight. He did just that by dethroning Jack Della Maddalena at Madison Square Garden in November, and has been eyeing a return since.

He was in talks to face Ilia Topuria at the UFC White House card over the weekend, but contract disputes and an alleged injury scuppered his plan. Now, Dana White has confirmed that he will defend his belt against top contender Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330.

White spoke with Pat McAfee on this afternoon’s show, where he confirmed the world title fight in Philadelphia in a throwaway mention of their summer schedule. Later in the show, he discussed his love for the city when it comes to sport and confirmed the world title double-header.

Vicente Luque is also expected to face Tresean Gore in a middleweight clash on the show’s undercard, alongside Edson Barboza and Esteban Ribovics in the lightweight division.

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

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