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.”
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