Makhachev fires back at Holloway's two-belt dig with cutting Instagram reply

Islam Makhachev has responded to Max Holloway’s public criticism of his post-fight celebration at UFC 330, dismissing the jab with a pointed Instagram comment after defending his UFC welterweight title against Ian Garry by unanimous decision in Philadelphia.

Holloway took aim at Makhachev on a Kick stream after footage showed the Russian holding two championship belts as he was announced the winner — despite having vacated the lightweight title last year. “Why the f*ck do you have two belts? For aura? You’re just defending one belt, bro,” Holloway said.

Makhachev’s reply was brief and barbed. “I don’t know bro,” he wrote on Instagram. “It’s even too heavy to hold. But you don’t understand, sorry.”

The exchange adds a personal edge to a potential rivalry between two of the sport’s elite fighters. Makhachev relinquished the lightweight championship last year after four successful defenses before moving up to welterweight, where he dethroned Jack Della Maddalena to claim the 170-pound title. The win over Garry at UFC 330 marks his first defense of that belt.

Makhachev has indicated he wants to compete before Ramadan and is targeting Carlos Prates for his next welterweight title defense.

Holloway, meanwhile, is coming off a frustrating outing of his own. His welterweight rematch with Conor McGregor at UFC 329 ended inside the first minute after the Irishman suffered an injury that prompted a referee stoppage, leaving the result feeling unresolved for both fighters and fans alike.