UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev received praise from MMA legend Cain Velasquez, his longtime teammate at American Kickboxing Academy. Makhachev is set to return to the Octagon at UFC 330 on August 15, where he will defend his title against top contender Ian Machado Garry. This will be Makhachev's first title defense since winning the welterweight title last year from Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322. Ian Garry believes that defeating Makhachev at UFC 330 would make his greatness "undeniable".
Sources (8)
We summarise the day's news in our own words. Full credit to the outlets below for the original reporting, click through to read their work.
- Anastasia Nikolakakos Calls For ONE Atomweight Title Shot After Jihin Radzuan Split Decision At ONE Fight Night 45 (MiddleEasy)
- Paddy Pimblett called out for lying by fan who really purchased $14,000 Ilia Topuria collector’s item (Bloody Elbow)
- Noche UFC? More like Mañana UFC as fights moved early to avoid Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn event (MMA Mania)
- K-1 cruiserweight champ announces transition to MMA (Yahoo Sports)
- Islam Makhachev Praised by UFC Legend Cain Velasquez (Yahoo Sports)
- Michael Page Wants New UFC Contract (Yahoo Sports)
- Ian Garry explains how beating Islam Makhachev would change his legacy (Yahoo Sports)
- Midnight Mania! Baddy Buys Topuria Quit Stool (Yahoo Sports)
Split from that day's roundup, so the sources listed are the full set behind the whole edition rather than this story alone.
This story ran in the July 21, 2026 edition of the daily show.