UFC 330’s Defending Champions Face Tough Roads Ahead

Islam Makhachev remains the welterweight champion, but his fight with Ian Machado Garry has left many questioning his dominance in the division. Makhachev’s title defense was a difficult one, with Garry’s defense and kicks giving the champion fits. This has invigorated hungry contenders, with Carlos Prates and Michael Morales being shown Octagon-side for a reason.

Mackenzie Dern kept her strawweight title, but her performance did little to quiet questions about her place atop the division. Her first title defense showed real improvements, particularly on the feet, but Gillian Robertson’s late success took the shine off what started as a strong performance.

Welterweight: Islam Makhachev vs. Carlos Prates

The welterweight division is looking more competitive than ever, with Makhachev’s title defense against Garry leaving many wondering how he will handle welterweights with more consequential power. Prates and Morales are neck-and-neck in the rankings, but one man deserves the title shot more – and it’s not the one who weighed in as Saturday’s backup. Prates’ resume is simply more impressive, with brutal knockouts of former champions Jack Della Maddalena and Leon Edwards, handing Edwards his first KO loss.

Morales’ best wins are Sean Brady (No. 6) and a retired Gilbert Burns, but it’s a no-brainer that Prates should fight for the title next. Pairing Prates with Makhachev in the co-main event would allow Morales to step up if something goes awry, making for a thrilling matchup.

Welterweight: Ian Machado Garry vs. Michael Morales

Garry has a knack for giving elite fighters tough fights, and his performance against Makhachev has further complicated his direction. Pairing Garry with Morales in a co-main event would be the most sensible option, allowing Morales to step up if something goes awry. The winner of Sean Brady vs. Gabriel Bonfim, which headlines a UFC Fight Night in November, would be the perfect opponent for Garry in the near future.

Women’s Strawweight: Mackenzie Dern vs. Zhang Weili

Dern’s performance demanded respect, at least at first, with her striking looking vastly improved and her dominating an overconfident Robertson on the ground. However, her lack of a finish to really put a stamp on the fight has left some doubting her claim to the throne. Zhang Weili remains the measuring stick at strawweight, and until Dern gets the chance to face her, some will continue to question her reign.

If Zhang is unavailable, Tatiana Suarez presents a compelling stylistic clash for the reigning champion. Suarez’s skills and personality make her a perfect opponent for Dern, and a fight between the two would be an exciting one.

Women’s Strawweight: Gillian Robertson vs. Alexia Thaniara

Robertson’s performance was marred by her inability to register offense until the late stages of the fight, leaving her with little to show for her efforts. Thaniara, on the other hand, has a vibrant personality and a slick submission game, making her a perfect opponent for Robertson in her next fight.