“He Knows How to Fight” – Khabib Nurmagomedov Issues Praise to Ian Garry Ahead of Islam Makhachev Showdown

UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov commends Ian Garry's prowess ahead of UFC 330 title fight against Islam Makhachev.

“He Knows How to Fight” – Khabib Nurmagomedov Issues Praise to Ian Garry Ahead of Islam Makhachev Showdown

Khabib Nurmagomedov praises Ian Garry (via Yahoo Sports)

During the latter stage of his career, Khabib Nurmagomedov was vocal about Islam Makhachev succeeding him at lightweight. However, many now believe Makhachev has already surpassed his mentor after winning the welterweight title and becoming a two-division champion.

Makhachev now enters his first welterweight title defense against Ian Garry at UFC 330 in Philadelphia. Garry is no easy opponent, standing 6-foot-3 and possessing a dangerous striking game. The Irishman also owns an 80% UFC takedown defense rate, making him a difficult matchup for Makhachev.

Garry’s latest win came against former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar on November 22, 2025. He won the three-round matchup by unanimous decision, with judges scoring it 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28. The victory came after the Irish star previously defeated Carlos Prates by unanimous decision in April 2025.

Nurmagomedov has been a major part of Makhachev’s training camp for years and should again play a key role at UFC 330. The undefeated UFC legend has also praised Garry ahead of the welterweight title fight. He acknowledged the challenger’s skills, making clear that Garry presents a serious test for his protege.

It’s not that I don’t like him, I don’t understand him, what this guy is talking about. I don’t have to worry about his personality. Who cares? This is his life. But I’m worried about him as an opponent. He’s good. He’s tough. He knows how to fight. He has heart.

Khabib Nurmagomedov via Miftaah Institute

Nurmagomedov’s praise for Garry comes amid controversy surrounding the challenger’s comments about women running the world. Garry suggested women could lead society better, drawing attention alongside Nurmagomedov’s conservative views on gender roles. He has previously supported more traditional roles for men and women.

Makhachev also recently addressed Garry’s online behavior ahead of UFC 330. The Dagestani champion urged his opponent to focus on their fight instead of doing online interviews. His comments added another layer to the buildup surrounding their welterweight title clash.

Nurmagomedov’s comments carry added weight as Garry prepares for his toughest UFC test against Makhachev. The Irishman has also explained why he believes he poses a unique challenge for the champion. Garry points to his leg kicks, striking, and takedown defense as key advantages against Makhachev.

Makhachev’s coach Javier Mendez also expects Garry to face a difficult challenge against the champion at UFC 330. The AKA head coach believes Garry could suffer a similar fate to Jack Della Maddalena. Mendez expects Makhachev’s superior wrestling to again prove decisive against another elite welterweight.

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Ian Garry may hold differing views beyond the Octagon, but the former champion still praised him. Such praise from ‘The Eagle’ is rare, especially ahead of a fight involving his longtime teammate. His recognition further highlights the challenge ‘The Future’ presents at UFC 330.

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Khabib Nurmagomedov reveals the real reason behind the UFC’s success

Dana White became UFC president in 2001 after Zuffa purchased the promotion for $2 million. Under his leadership, the UFC expanded globally and became a major sports property worldwide. The promotion later secured a $7.7 billion Paramount media rights deal, ending its traditional U.S. pay-per-view model in 2026.

White has consistently spoken highly of Khabib Nurmagomedov and considers him among the greatest fighters in the sport. He also believed Nurmagomedov retired too early and repeatedly tried convincing him to return. White’s efforts continued after his 2020 retirement before he officially accepted the decision in 2021.

Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov (via MMA Fighting)

White is often criticized for his blunt approach, especially regarding fighters and UFC issues. Fighter compensation has also faced criticism despite the promotion’s massive financial growth. However, Nurmagomedov recently explained that the UFC would not be where it is without White.

I understand his position a little. I also ran my own league for a couple of years. I know what the relationship between a league owner and a fighter is like. I’ve been on both sides of it. He always had a mentality like in those Mafia movies where family comes first. For him, the UFC always came first. That’s the only way he was able to push that business forward. There was a lot of things that made the UFC unique, but the cherry on top was always Dana.

Khabib Nurmagomedov via The Lex Friedman podcast

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s perspective also carries weight because he has experienced MMA promotion himself through Eagle FC.

The Dagestani star purchased Gorilla Fighting Championship in 2020 and rebranded it as Eagle FC. His experience gave him firsthand insight into the difficulties of running an MMA promotion.

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