Wells secures dramatic upset at UFC 330, signals retirement

Jeremiah Wells delivered a significant upset at UFC 330, submitting favourite Myktybek Orolbai via a power guillotine choke in the third round. The 39-year-old fighter, competing in his hometown of Philadelphia, overcame the Kyrgyzstan contingent’s support and Orolbai’s grappling dominance to secure the victory at the Xfinity Mobile Arena.

Orolbai entered the bout as a 10-to-one favourite, with pre-fight expectations suggesting a straightforward win for the Kyrgyz fighter. The local crowd, initially rallying behind the visiting faction and UFC welterweight Sean Brady, shifted their support as Wells rallied. Despite Orolbai controlling the first two rounds through superior grappling, Wells utilised his knockout power to stun his opponent in the third round before locking in the submission.

Following the victory, Wells indicated to commentator Joe Rogan that he may retire immediately. He described the guillotine choke as his signature move, stating he catches everyone with it, including fellow fighter Joe Pyfer. Wells noted that unless the UFC offers a top-15 opponent, he sees no better opportunity to retire victoriously than in his hometown.

The event, streamed exclusively on Paramount+, also featured two title fights. Islam Makhachev defended his welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry, while Mackenzie Dern defended the women’s strawweight championship against Gillian Robertson. Paramount+ holds broadcasting rights to UFC numbered events and Fight Nights through 2033.

Wells reflected on his connection to the venue, telling UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby that he had worked in the arena years prior and had long dreamed of fighting for the promotion there. The victory marks what has been described as one of 2026’s biggest upsets, concluding a career arc that returned to its geographical origins.