UFC 330: Islam Makhachev vs Ian Machado Garry Preview & Prediction
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GOAT candidate, Islam Makhachev, makes the first defence of his welterweight title, taking on the surging Ian Garry in a high stakes 170 pound title fight.
Islam Makhachev vs Ian Machado Garry facts
What time are Islam Makhachev and Ian Machado Garry expected to walk out?
Where is UFC 330: Makhachev vs Machado Garry? Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, USA
Where can I get tickets for UFC 330: Makhachev vs Machado Garry? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC 330
What TV channel is UFC 330: Makhachev vs Machado Garry on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – Paramount
Where can I stream UFC 330: Makhachev vs Machado Garry? UK – TNT Sports can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and HBO Max / USA – Paramount+ & UFC Fight Pass
UFC 330: Makhachev vs Machado Garry main card
Islam Makhachev vs Ian Machado Garry (Welterweight)
Mackenzie Dern vs Gillian Robertson (Women's Strawweight)
Charles Johnson vs Eduardo Henrique (Flyweight)
Mansur Abdul-Malik vs Dustin Stoltzfus (Middleweight)
Edson Barboza vs Esteban Ribovics (Lightweight)
UFC 330: Makhachev vs Machado Garry prelims
Chidi Njokuani vs Joel Alvarez (Welterweight)
Jalin Turner vs Kaue Fernandes (Lightweight)
Donte Johnson vs Eric McConico (Middleweight)
Vicente Luque vs Tresean Gore (Welterweight)
Rafael Tobias vs Lucas Fernando (Light Heavyweight)
Neil Magny vs Ramiz Brahimaj (Welterweight)
Jeremiah Wells vs Myktybek Orolbai (Welterweight)
Islam Makhachev: Can the Dagestani add to his glistening resume across two weight classes?
Widely regarded by many as the greatest fighter in MMA history, two weight champion, Islam Makhachev (28-1) returns for the first defense of his welterweight strap after moving up from 155 pounds to dominate Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322. A preternaturally gifted wrestler with crushing top pressure, Makhachev’s superb technical striking renders him one of the most complete MMA fighters to ever compete. With victories over the likes of Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski (twice), and Arman Tsarukyan to name but a few, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s protege has been nothing short of flawless since a shock KO loss to Adriano Martins early in his career, carrying him to an exceptional UFC record of 17-1 across two weight classes.
Ian Machado Garry: The Irishman looks to prove that "The Future" is now
Ireland’s latest hope for UFC gold, Ian Garry (17-1) has been perfect in the promotion outside of a razor close decision defeat to the divisional boogeyman, Shavkat Rakhmanov, becoming the first man to take the undefeated prospect to the scorecards. Leveraging his enormous frame to maximum effect, "The Future" is a technical maestro on the feet, leaning on excellent defense, meticulous range management, and superb shot selection to outscore his opponents in a striking battle. He’s also added excellent grappling to his game, courtesy of extensive work with the likes of Charles Oliveira at Chute Box. The former Cage Warriors champion arguably has the best current resume at welterweight, boasting wins over the likes of Belal Muhammad, Carlos Prates, and Michael Page.
Islam Makhachev vs Ian Machado Garry prediction
I really think Garry has a chance to win this.
The Irishman is a magnificent technical striker, defensively sound at all times with impeccable footwork and distance management. At 6’3”, he’s going to be the biggest fighter Makhachev has faced in his entire career, but more importantly, he has the frame to fight off takedowns or work his way back to the feet if he gets grounded. “The Future” also has an extremely underrated ground game, potentially allowing him to initiate scrambles if Makhachev tries to stall out on top.
However, can he stuff takedowns from arguably the greatest wrestler in UFC history consistently over five rounds? Garry has excellent takedown defence, but he’s only two fights removed from being grounded twice by Shavkat Rakhmonov; his only career defeat to date and a considerably less accomplished grappler than the Dagestani champion. The Irishman has never been the most powerful striker and outside of a flush headkick from southpaw, it’s hard to envision him flatlining one of the most defensively sound fighters in recent UFC history.
Garry is going to produce an excellent performance, but it won’t be enough. His willingness to throw up submissions and play guard rather than getting back to his feet is going to hurt him here. to the point that if Makhachev grounds him, I don’t see him getting back up. Faced with this status quo, Makhachev only needs three takedowns to likely secure him the fight, the far safer bet than a Garry upset considering his wrestling pedigree.
Prediction: Islam Makhachev to win by decision
