Islam Makhachev (29-1) feared he had broken his nose during his hard-fought victory over Ian Machado Garry (17-2) at UFC 330.
The welterweight champion earned a unanimous decision in Philadelphia, securing his first title defense and a record-breaking 17th consecutive UFC win. However, Garry pushed him throughout the fight and left him with visible facial damage.
Makhachev said the back of Garry’s head struck his nose during a fourth-round takedown.
“I thought my nose had broken or something,” he said. “But the doctor checked and said it’s good, no problem.”
Makhachev admitted the bout exposed areas he must improve as he adjusts to welterweight, including adding size and power.
“The hard fights give me good improvements,” he said. “I improved a lot from this fight.”
Carlos Prates and Michael Morales are among the leading contenders for Makhachev’s next title defense, with the champion expressing a preference for Prates.