Islam Makhachev Reveals Gameplan to Finish Ian Garry at UFC 330 With History on the Line

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev sees no threat from Ian Garry ahead of their UFC 330 championship clash.

Islam Makhachev Reveals Gameplan to Finish Ian Garry at UFC 330 With History on the Line

Islam Makhachev weighs in on the challenge Ian Garry poses (via X)

Islam Makhachev cemented his legacy with a dominant reign in the UFC’s lightweight division before capturing the welterweight title at UFC 322. Ahead of his title defense against Ian Garry in the UFC 330 main event, the Dagestani champion believes the fight will end before reaching the championship rounds.

Garry’s style has largely focused on dismantling opponents rather than chasing finishes. His last six UFC fights have all ended in decisions, reflecting his calculated approach. Makhachev, meanwhile, specializes in Dagestani sambo and suffocating wrestling, constantly hunting submissions once he gets the fight to the ground.

Garry remains the top contender at 170 pounds and presents Makhachev’s toughest welterweight challenge yet. Nearly six years younger than the champion, the Irishman brings youth and momentum into UFC 330. As the Philadelphia event approaches, Makhachev has now revealed his prediction for how the title fight will unfold.

I have the advantage everywhere… I’m going to pressure him, hold him, make him tired and finish him. At UFC 330 I will beat Ian Garry inside three rounds.

Islam Makhchev via UFC on Paramount

The Irish contender has embraced the challenge of facing one of the UFC’s most dominant champions at UFC 330. Garry believes his movement, size, speed, and striking can trouble Makhachev in ways others could not. With fight night approaching, both remain confident of leaving Philadelphia as welterweight champion.

Makhachev has remained unfazed by Garry’s rise despite the Irishman’s unbeaten run at welterweight. The champion has instead pointed to the stylistic matchup, believing Garry lacks the tools to trouble him inside the Octagon. He expects his grappling pressure and control to dictate the pace from the opening round.

Garry has revealed that he wants to dismantle Makhachev instead of simply winning the welterweight title at UFC 330. He is also targeting the UFC’s No. 1 pound-for-pound ranking, long held by Makhachev. The challenger has also further promised to stay more active if he captures the championship.

Makhachev also poses a major threat on the feet despite his wrestling reputation. His underrated striking was evident at UFC 302, where he comfortably exchanged with Dustin Poirier, one of the UFC’s best boxers. Later, he secured a fifth-round D’Arce choke to retain the lightweight title.

Islam Makhachev’s UFC 330 comments also hinted at his future in the sport. A victory over Ian Garry would give him a 17-fight UFC win streak, breaking his tie with Anderson Silva‘s record of 16. The milestone would further enhance the Dagestani superstar’s legacy among the sport’s greatest champions.

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Islam Makhachev reveals why nobody has been able to beat him in last 16 fights

Islam Makhachev’s rise to the top of the UFC has been built on relentless training discipline and a commitment to improvement. The Dagestani champion has often credited the methods developed under Khabib Nurmagomedov and Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov for shaping his approach to the sport.

The influence of Abdulmanap’s coaching philosophy and Khabib’s guidance has played a major role in Makhachev’s career. Their focus on wrestling, conditioning, and mental preparation helped create the foundation behind his dominant run in the UFC.

Islam Makhachev's next fight
Islam Makhachev’s next fight (via X)

Makhachev’s career has also included setbacks, including his UFC 192 loss to Adriano Martins. The Brazilian stopped him with a second-round knockout, marking his first UFC defeat. Since then, Makhachev has built a 16-fight UFC winning streak, leading to his recent comments about his training discipline and preparation.

Fighters can beat me, you know. But who can beat me? Who trains more than me? I know nobody trains more than me. Mentally, I’m ready, physically, I’m ready, and I can fight with anybody.

Islam Makhachev via Game Set Padel podcast

The welterweight champion’s dedication has become a defining part of his decorated career at the highest level. His preparation has helped him overcome setbacks and remain among the UFC’s elite fighters. The champion continues to focus on improvement ahead of his next challenge.

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