In Philadelphia, Mackenzie Dern successfully defended her 115-pound championship at UFC 330 with a unanimous decision over Gillian Robertson. This marks Dern’s first title defense since capturing the vacant strawweight belt at UFC 321. Her victory scores were 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47.

“I wanted to get the submission with Gillian,” Dern stated after the fight. She nearly achieved this in the first round with a choke hold, though Robertson was saved by the bell. The fight slowed in the following rounds, featuring minimal striking as both competitors engaged predominantly on the canvas.

Dern’s 7-year-old daughter was present at the fight, often offering support from the front row. Audience engagement dwindled during the title match, with the crowd eventually showing dissatisfaction in the fifth round.

In the next fight, Islam Makhachev aims for a UFC record with 17 consecutive wins as he faces Ian Machado Garry. Makhachev shares the current record of 16 wins with UFC Hall of Famer Anderson Silva. Makhachev has not lost since 2015 and claimed the welterweight crown by defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322.

Edson Barboza concluded his MMA career with a retirement ceremony following a lightweight loss to Esteben Ribovics. The 40-year-old received a standing ovation, surrounded by family. Barboza, a UFC fighter since 2010, is noted for earning numerous Fight of the Night honors despite closing his career with four consecutive losses. “Every single fight, I promise I did my best,” Barboza reflected tearfully.

This event is only the third numbered UFC card ever held in Philadelphia, following UFC 101 in 2009 and UFC 133 in 2011. Philly fans filled the arena with enthusiasm, especially during preliminary bouts.

Local fighter Jeremiah Wells overcame initial boos and secured a submission victory, while Tresean Gore achieved a unanimous decision win yet lost several teeth during his match against Vecente Luque. Charles Johnson capped his submission win with a spirited rendition of “Fly, Eagles. Fly,” earning cheers from the audience.

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