Islam
Makhachev has responded to Max
Holloway’s criticism of his post-fight celebration.

Makhachev successfully defended the
Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight title against
Ian
Garry at UFC
330, earning a unanimous decision win in Philadelphia. The
Russian was seen holding two belts as he was announced the victor,
which Holloway called into question.

Islam Makhachev answers Max Holloway's criticism after UFC
330

Holloway was quick to question Makhachev posing with two belts
despite vacating his lightweight title last year.

“Why the f*ck do you have two belts? For aura? You're just
defending one belt, bro,†Holloway said during a recent Kick
stream.

Makhachev was quick to react, taking a sly dig at the former
featherweight and BMF champ.

“I don't know bro,†Makhachev commented on Instagram. “It's even
too heavy to hold. But you don't understand, sorry.â€

Makhachev vacated the lightweight championship last year after four
successful defenses. He subsequently moved up to welterweight,
captured the 170-pound strap by dethroning Jack
Della Maddalena and has now defended the 170-pound championship
once. He's indicated that he wants to compete again before Ramadan
and is targeting Carlos
Prates for his next title defense.

Holloway's last bout was also at welterweight. The Hawaiian's
rematch with Conor
McGregor at
UFC 329 ended in anticlimactic fashion as the Irishman suffered
an injury early, prompting a referee stoppage just over a minute
into the bout.

Hawaii vs Dagestan next? 😳 pic.twitter.com/Ff9Yis8SkA

— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount)
August 17, 2026

Din
Thomas has apologized to Gillian
Robertson after drawing criticism for his comments following
his pupil's failed title bid in the
Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Thomas, Robertson's longtime mentor, announced during the UFC
330 post-show that he's done cornering fighters and that he
took “The Savage†as far as he could. The former UFC fighter drew
backlash for the timing of his remarks, with both fans and fighters
calling him out.

Din Thomas regrets timing of comments after Gillian Robertson's
UFC 330 title loss

Thomas suggested that Robertson had reached her ceiling in the
sport after getting thoroughly dominated by Mackenzie
Dern. He then claimed that he's stepping away from being a
cornerman, citing the fight week responsibilities, drawing the ire
of many. Thomas addressed the controversy on “Deep Waters,â€
admitting the timing was inappropriate.

“Saturday night was the most inappropriate time for me to bring up
that I did not want to corner again,†Thomas said. “It was
completely irresponsible; it was despicable. I shouldn't have done
it. I selfishly stole her moment that night. Instead of
congratulating her on that run, I stole her moment and I want to
apologize to her for that.â€

He also reflected on Robertson’s early struggles and the years they
spent working together. He recalled the Canadian strawweight once
hoping simply to string together two or three consecutive victories
before eventually putting together the run that earned her a
championship opportunity.

“For her, Gillian, I love you. I've got your back… I've always had
your back,†Thomas added. “This is not the end.â€

Thomas acknowledged that coaching has been an emotional experience
and said he has contemplated stepping away before, but he now
regrets making that decision public at Robertson’s expense.

“I'm ashamed. I'm embarrassed, but I'm not too big to say I'm
sorry,†Thomas said.

Islam
Makhachev's coach, Javier Mendez, has nothing but praise for
Ian
Garry.

Makhachev (29-1) put his
Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight title on the line
against Garry (17-2) at UFC
330 in Philadelphia. The challenger pushed the champ to the
limit, stuffing multiple takedown and submission attempts, but
ultimately lost via decision.

Ian Garry earns praise from Islam Makhachev's coach after
pushing the champion at UFC 330

While Makhachev was able to take Garry down, he wasn't able to
control the Irishman as he did against his previous opponents.
Makhachev even missed several takedown attempts altogether.
Furthermore, Garry showed no signs of fatigue throughout the bout
and appeared to be the fresher fighter the deeper the fight went,
while the champion's face was heavily bruised.

Mendez was impressed with Garry's valiant display and believes the
former
Cage Warriors champ should remain the No. 1 welterweight
contender on the UFC's official's rankings after his performance
against Makhachev.

“Ian Garry came in to demonstrate how tough he was, how deserving
he is of the No. 1 spot and he proved his point,†Mendez told
Submission Radio. “He's the No. 1 contender for a reason and he
probably should stay No. 1 contender after this performance, in my
opinion.â€

Makhachev is targeting Carlos
Prates for his next title defense, with the unbeaten Michael
Morales, who weighed in as a backup at UFC 330, also in
contention.