Mackenzie Dern Successfully Defends Title at UFC 330

Philadelphia, Oct. 7 (AP) — Mackenzie Dern retained the 115-pound championship in her first title defense, winning by unanimous decision against Gillian Robertson at UFC 330. Dern, now 17-5, previously claimed the vacant strawweight belt at UFC 321. Her defense against Robertson was dominant yet uneventful, with scores of 49-46 on two cards and 48-47 on the third.

Dern expressed her desire for a submission victory, stating, “I wanted to get the submission with Gillian.” She nearly achieved this goal early, as Robertson (17-9) struggled to escape a choke hold in the first round. The hold ended with Robertson’s face a deep pinkish-red, matching her hair. The round concluded seconds before Robertson might have tapped out.

Despite the promising start, the match’s pace slowed considerably in the following rounds. Both fighters spent much of the time on the ground with few strikes. Dern’s daughter, aged seven, shouted encouragement from the front row, sometimes audible over the increasingly quiet crowd. Boos were heard by the fifth round, reflecting the lack of action.

The second championship fight promises more excitement. Islam Makhachev aims to set a UFC record for most consecutive wins. If the 170-pound champion defeats Ian Machado Garry, his 17 straight victories would surpass UFC Hall of Famer Anderson Silva’s record.

Makhachev, 28-1, has not lost since UFC 192 in 2015. He claimed the welterweight crown at UFC 322 in November 2025 after defeating Jack Della Maddalena.

On another note, Edson Barboza announced his retirement following a loss to Esteban Ribovics on the main card. At 40, Barboza received a standing ovation, supported by his family. His MMA journey began in 2009, and he debuted in UFC a year later, earning multiple Fight of the Night awards. His final bouts were less successful, losing the last four.

“Every single fight, I promise I did my best,” Barboza emotionally shared before departing the cage. His gloves lay on the mat, and Bruce Buffer consoled him as Barboza made his way back to the locker room.

This event marks UFC’s third numbered card in Philadelphia and its first fight event in the city since 2019. UFC 101 took place in August 2009, and UFC 133 followed in August 2011. Eager fans filled the arena for the preliminary fights hours ahead of the main card.

The crowd enjoyed Jeremiah Wells’ victory via submission in the opening bout, which turned initial boos into support for the local fighter. Tresean Gore, victorious in his middleweight bout with Vecente Luque, lost several teeth from a flying knee to the mouth. The teeth were collected by officials as Gore showed his injuries to Joe Rogan.

Charles Johnson entertained the audience post-victory by singing an off-key “Fly, Eagles. Fly,” gaining a positive response as he exited the cage.