Islam Makhachev Mocks Charles Oliveira Ahead of Ian Garry Title Defense at UFC 330

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev takes aim at former rival Charles Oliveira's longstanding collaboration with Ian Garry.

Islam Makhachev Mocks Charles Oliveira Ahead of Ian Garry Title Defense at UFC 330

Islam Makhachev weighs in on Ian Garry and Charles Oliveira's partnership (via Instagram, MMA Fighting)

Islam Makhachev remains one of his era’s most dominant fighters, backed by his position atop the UFC pound-for-pound rankings. His dominance began with a submission victory over Charles Oliveira before moving up a division.

As Makhachev prepares for his first welterweight title defense against Ian Garry at UFC 330, the Dagestani champion has also taken shots at his former rival’s camp.

Oliveira and Makhachev first crossed paths at UFC 280 with the vacant lightweight title on the line. Makhachev overwhelmed the former champion before finishing him with a second-round arm-triangle choke. That defeat ended Oliveira’s 11-fight win streak and marked the beginning of Makhachev’s dominant championship run.

Makhachev is preparing for his first welterweight title defense against Garry at UFC 330 in Philadelphia. Garry has trained alongside Oliveira ahead of the title fight. Owing to this, the Dagestani recently mocked the Irishman’s fighting style and also took a humorous swipe at Oliveira’s role in his opponent’s camp.

His skills, I just have to run in this camp too much because I have to follow him. He runs too much. I know his game plan. We always see his fights. He has the same style always. I will try to catch him, take him down, just what I did with my old opponents. Charles is going to teach him how to tap fast. That’s it.

Islam Makhachev via MMA Fighting

Garry first linked up with Oliveira and the Chute Boxe Diego Lima team before his later canceled UFC 296 fight in 2023. Since then, the Irish contender has regularly returned to Brazil, making the renowned gym a staple of his training camps. Their partnership remains central to Garry’s preparation for his UFC 330 title challenge against Makhachev.

Garry’s work with Oliveira also impressed Chute Boxe head coach Diego Lima ahead of UFC 298. ‘The Future’ justified that praise by defeating Geoff Neal through a split decision, extending his unbeaten UFC record. The victory strengthened his bond with Oliveira’s team before future title ambitions.

Oliveira and Makhachev remained respectful after UFC 280 and before their planned UFC 294 rematch, which never happened. Recently, relations have cooled, with ‘Do Bronx’ questioning Makhachev’s résumé while comparing it to Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s accomplishments. Their rivalry has since taken on a sharper tone.

Interestingly, Oliveira is not the only accomplished veteran Garry has turned to before facing Makhachev. The Irish contender also traveled to Tbilisi, Georgia, sharpening his wrestling, judo, and sambo against elite training partners. Those disciplines represent the foundation of the UFC welterweight champion’s dominant fighting style.

Ian Garry has embraced every opportunity to prepare for Islam Makhachev, viewing the champion as his toughest challenge yet. His work with Oliveira and elite grapplers reflects that commitment before UFC 330. The title fight now offers Garry the chance to validate his preparation against the UFC’s pound-for-pound leader.

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UFC veteran weighs in on the challenge Islam Makhachev poses against Ian Garry

Islam Makhachev’s dominance comes from his elite grappling and ability to control opponents across every phase. In his welterweight debut at UFC 322, Makhachev dominated Jack Della Maddalena to capture the title. The Dagestani champion used his wrestling and control to secure a unanimous decision victory.

Dustin Poirier faced Makhachev’s dominance at UFC 302 while challenging for the lightweight title. Makhachev showcased improved striking by hurting Poirier with combinations before securing takedowns and controlling the fight. He eventually finished the veteran with a fifth-round D’Arce choke.

Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier at UFC 302
Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 (via Bloody Elbow)

Since his UFC 302 loss, Poirier returned for his final fight at UFC 318 against Max Holloway. The UFC legend has since transitioned into an analyst role while sharing his experience. Poirier recently discussed the Dagestani champion’s takedown threat and its potential challenge for Ian Garry at UFC 330.

I didn’t want to plant and throw heavy shots as much l, because I didn’t want him to grab my leg. You get a little timid and you wouldn’t throw the same shots you normally do because the takedown threat is so in front of you.

Dustin Poirier via UFC on Paramount

Dustin Poirier’s assessment highlights Garry’s challenge against Islam Makhachev’s elite grappling at UFC 330. Makhachev’s dominant win over Jack Della Maddalena has increased expectations of a similar approach against Garry. However, ‘The Future’ undoubtedly enters the matchup with improved preparation.

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