Team Islam Makhachev Blasts Comparison Between Conor McGregor and Ian Garry: “This Guy Runs, Conor Fights”

Any comparison between Conor McGregor and Ian Garry doesn't represent reality, says the manager of Islam Makhachev.

Team Islam Makhachev Blasts Comparison Between Conor McGregor and Ian Garry: “This Guy Runs, Conor Fights”

Islam Makhachev team trolls Ian Garry and Conor McGregor (via Instagram, MMA Mania)

Islam Makhachev will make his inaugural welterweight title defense against Ian Garry at UFC 330. Garry has constantly positioned himself as the next Irish MMA superstar and drawn comparisons to Conor McGregor throughout his rise. However, Makhachev’s team has a long history with McGregor, adding another layer to the Dagestan vs Ireland rivalry.

The rivalry between Makhachev’s camp and McGregor began with Khabib Nurmagomedov’s clash against the Irish superstar at UFC 229. The heated feud involved personal attacks and hostility before Khabib defeated McGregor by fourth-round submission in their lightweight title fight.

Ahead of UFC 330, Garry has often spoken about being McGregor’s prodigy, while Makhachev represents Nurmagomedov’s legacy. The comparisons have amplified the Dagestan vs Ireland storyline. However, Makhachev’s longtime manager Ali Abdelaziz recently targeted Garry while offering rare praise for McGregor.

He’s a Chinese copy of Conor McGregor. He’s not Conor McGregor. He doesn’t fight like Conor McGregor. Like it or not, Conor McGregor was a bad dude. At one point, he was one of the best fighters ever. This guy runs. Conor fights. This dude is talking about finishing people. This guy has 11 fights. He has nine decisions. Islam in his 11 fights has eight finishes.

Ali Abdelaziz via Pound For Pound Show

Abdelaziz’s praise for McGregor is notable given their long-running rivalry since UFC 229. The Egyptian executive has repeatedly criticized McGregor and dismissed his challenges toward fighters like Kamaru Usman. Their disagreements have continued through social media over the years.

This is not the only jibe Abdelaziz has taken toward Garry ahead of UFC 330. He also questioned Garry’s recent signing with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Talent Agency. The move came after a man claiming to be the Irish contender’s brother accused him of misrepresenting his childhood and family struggles.

Garry has often looked up to McGregor as an inspiration since childhood, with the former two-division champion playing a major role in motivating his MMA journey.

The two Irish fighters later trained together at SBG Ireland, where ‘The Future’ shared the gym with McGregor during his development and gained experience around one of the sport’s biggest stars.

Ahead of UFC 330, Garry has continued to embrace comparisons with Conor McGregor while aiming to establish his own legacy in Irish MMA. The welterweight contender has claimed that defeating Makhachev would help him surpass ‘The Notorious One’ as the biggest name in Irish MMA history.

Ian Garry has faced significant controversy ahead of his UFC 330 title challenge against Islam Makhachev, with Ali Abdelaziz’s comments adding to the buildup.

The manager is known for attempting to unsettle his clients’ opponents through trash talk, and his recent remarks have continued that approach.

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Islam Makhachev’s head coach predicts a dominant outcome against Ian Garry at UFC 330

Islam Makhachev has always presented a major challenge on the ground with his elite grappling and control. The Dagestani star has followed his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov by carrying forward Sambo and Dagestani wrestling. This was evident at UFC 322, where Makhachev dominated Jack Della Maddalena to win the welterweight title.

However, Makhachev showed another side of his game at UFC 302 when he tested himself against Dustin Poirier’s striking. The Dagestani champion stood toe-to-toe with one of the division’s best strikers before securing a fifth-round submission victory. Makhachev absorbed Poirier’s offense and displayed improved striking during their lightweight title fight.

Islam Makhachev and his team
Islam Makhachev and his team (via MMA Fighting)

However, one person who has always believed in Makhachev’s striking ability is his head coach Javier Mendez. Ahead of UFC 322, Mendez urged fans and opponents not to underestimate the champion’s striking offense. He is carrying the same confidence into Makhachev’s UFC 330 title defense against Ian Garry.

Islam is dialed in as a striker. People sleep on his striking, thinking that he has to take Ian down. He doesn’t have to take Ian down. Is it the better choice? Probably, because we know we’re the better grappler for sure. But do we have to take him down? I’m saying, no, we don’t have to take him down.

Javier Mendez via Weighing In podcast

Makhachev has also expressed confidence ahead of his UFC 330 title defense, believing Garry does not present a major threat. The Dagestani superstar has remained focused on his preparation while dismissing concerns about the Irish contender’s style. Islam Makhachev enters the fight confident in his ability to handle his opponent’s movement and striking.

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