Islam Makhachev vs Ian Machado Garry set for UFC 330 in August

Islam Makhachev will make his first welterweight title defense against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 on Aug. 15 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, the promotion announced Wednesday.

Makhachev claimed the 170-pound strap with a lopsided decision over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 last November. The 28-1 Russian previously held the lightweight belt, where he notched four consecutive defenses before vacating and moving up a division. He has rattled off 16 straight wins since his only career loss in 2015.

Garry gets his title shot after rebounding from first loss

Garry campaigned hard for the fight after his name surfaced repeatedly as the likely first challenger. The Irish contender started his career 15-0 before dropping a decision to Shavkat Rakhmonov, but bounced back with consecutive wins over former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad and Carlos Prates to earn the 17-1 record he brings into August.

In the co-main event, strawweight champion Mackenzie Dern will defend against Gillian Robertson. Dern captured the vacant title by beating Virna Jandiroba at UFC 321 in October after Zhang Weili vacated to pursue a superfight with flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko. Robertson, a former flyweight who has gone 6-1 since cutting to 115 pounds, rides a five-fight streak that includes a decision over former title challenger Amanda Lemos in March.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry, Mackenzie Dern vs. Gillian Robertson announced for UFC 330