“Make Islam Makhachev Uncomfortable” – UFC Legend Lays Out Plan for Ian Garry to Win at UFC 330

UFC legend highlights Ian Garry's unpredictability being a major challenge for Islam Makhachev at UFC 330.

“Make Islam Makhachev Uncomfortable” – UFC Legend Lays Out Plan for Ian Garry to Win at UFC 330

Islam Makhachev takes on Ian Garry UFC 330 (via CBS Sports)

Islam Makhachev vs Ian Garry is set to headline UFC 330 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. Makhachev enters as the welterweight champion, looking to make history. Garry enters his first UFC title fight, hoping to shock the Dagestani phenom and capture the belt.

Makhachev is known for his dominant wrestling, which he showcased against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322. Garry stands 6-foot-3 and presents a major threat on the feet with his size and striking, having defeated former champion Belal Muhammad in his last outing.

Garry has faced criticism throughout his career for point fighting and recording fewer finishes. His last knockout win came in May 2023, when he stopped Daniel Rodriguez at UFC Charlotte. UFC legend Dominick Cruz recently discussed how Garry’s style could trouble Makhachev by forcing the champion outside his comfort zone.

Ian Garry wants to keep this an uncomfortable fight for Makhachev, and the easiest way to do that is to stop the first three takedowns of every round and keep the distance where Ian Garry is comfortable and Makhachev wants to get closer. The more he can do that, the further away that Ian Garry can get ahead on the scorecards, I think. On the other end, if Makhachev can take him down in the first three takedowns, it goes the other way.

Dominick Cruz via Mike Bohn

Cruz also highlighted Garry’s only professional loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 in December 2024. Rakhmonov won by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring it 48-47. Cruz described the five-round contest as close, noting that the Kazakh star beat Garry at his own game.

Garry has identified his unique style as a major challenge for Makhachev ahead of UFC 330. Despite the experience gap, the challenger believes his approach can create problems for the champion and force him into difficult exchanges. The Irishman’s assessment adds another layer to their upcoming fight.

Makhachev has recently addressed Garry’s striking threat ahead of their UFC 330 title clash. The Dagestani star expects the fight to be dominated by grappling, leaving Garry little time to showcase his striking and kicks. Makhachev has backed his superior wrestling and grappling to control Garry once the fight reaches the ground.

Makhachev has also recently given his prediction for the UFC 330 main event against Garry. The welterweight champion expects to finish the fight before the championship rounds, relying on his grappling advantage. A victory would give Makhachev the longest winning streak in UFC history, as he currently has 16 straight wins.

Interestingly, Garry is taking inspiration from Justin Gaethje and Sean Strickland, who recently delivered major upsets to win UFC belts. He hopes to follow their path against Islam Makhachev, the UFC’s pound-for-pound No. 1 fighter. However, facing the dominant champion remains a difficult test for ‘The Future’ at UFC 330.

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Islam Makhachev reveals game plan heading into UFC 330

Islam Makhachev has consistently shown confidence in his abilities ahead of major UFC fights. That confidence was tested at UFC 322, with questions surrounding his move up to welterweight. Many believed Jack Della Maddalena’s elite striking could overwhelm Makhachev and derail his bid for a second UFC title.

Makhachev dominated the fight with four successful takedowns and 19:10 of control time across five rounds. He repeatedly dragged Della Maddalena into grappling exchanges and neutralized his striking. Makhachev controlled the Australian throughout the contest, securing a unanimous 50-45 victory.

Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev (via X)

Those doubts have resurfaced ahead of UFC 330, with questions again surrounding Makhachev’s ability to handle Ian Garry. Many believe Garry’s unpredictable style could create problems for the champion. However, Makhachev remains confident in his abilities and believes his game plan will determine the fight.

First of all, I have to focus on my game plan. I don’t have to think about what my opponent has. I know I have everything to defend him, and I have more skills than him. When you step into the cage, you have to dictate what’s going to happen — who moves forward and who goes backward. The champion has to control. That’s my plan. I will control the fight, step into the cage and do my best.

Islam Makhachev via Anatomy Of a Fighter

Makhachev has repeatedly answered doubts with dominant performances, including his victory over JDM. The Irish star now presents another stylistic challenge for the champion at UFC 330.

It remains to be seen whether Islam Makhachev’s confidence and grappling can overcome Garry’s unpredictable approach.

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