Credit: Anatomy of a Fighter

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev had an inspiring message for one of his biggest fans after his UFC 330 title win.

Islam Makhachev broke UFC Hall of Famer Anderson Silva’s record for most consecutive wins in UFC history by defeating Ian Machado Garry last Saturday. In the UFC 330 main event, Makhachev put on another mostly dominant performance to successfully defend the welterweight title.

The UFC’s pound-for-pound king, Makhachev, continued to make his case as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. Ahead of UFC 330, Makhachev surprised one of his biggest fans, who is battling cancer, by flying them out for the fights.

Makhachev met the fan in person on Thursday just before the UFC 330 pre-fight press conference in Philadelphia. After their viral meetup, Makhachev invited the fan backstage following his win and sent the cancer patient home with an inspiring message.

WATCH: Islam Makhachev tells fan he flew out to UFC 330 to ‘never give up’

Watch Makhachev meet the fan backstage, as filmed by Anatomy of a Fighter, below.

Islam Makhachev took time to speak with a fan battling cancer after his win over Ian Garry ❤️

“You see, from the first second to last second I go war. I have hard time, but never give up. Also yourself, never give up, okay? You are warrior.”

(via @WillHarrisAOAF) pic.twitter.com/Vrf393GCCp

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 18, 2026

Valentin heads home with his daughter, Alexis, to continue ongoing treatment for his life-threatening illness in Salem, OR.

Meanwhile, Makhachev capped off an eventful night at UFC 330 with another impressive performance against Garry. Next, Makhachev will likely face rising star Carlos Prates for his next welterweight title defense.

UFC commentator Joe Rogan raised eyebrows after UFC 330 when he suggested Makhachev return to the lightweight division for his next fight. Makhachev vacated the lightweight title last year following a win over Renato Moicano at UFC 311.

Before defeating Garry, Makhachev won the UFC welterweight title by unanimous decision against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322.

All of us at BJPenn wish Valentin the best in his ongoing battle with cancer.

Who should Islam Makhachev fight next after UFC 330? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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