Islam Makhachev enters UFC 330 as the reigning UFC welterweight champion and the consensus pound-for-pound No. 1 fighter in mixed martial arts.
Makhachev cemented his legacy at lightweight with successful title defenses against Alexander Volkanovski, Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano before moving up to claim the welterweight belt with a dominant victory over Jack Della Maddalena.
His chain wrestling, suffocating top control and ever-improving striking have made him one of the most complete champions in UFC history.
Ian Machado Garry, however, has steadily developed into one of the division’s most dangerous contenders. After suffering the only defeat of his professional career against the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov, Garry responded with back-to-back victories over Carlos Prates and former champion Belal Muhammad to earn his first UFC title shot.
Those wins showcased a more mature version of ‘The Future,’ combining elite distance management, intelligent shot selection and five-round cardio against top-level opposition.
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Ian Garry’s Skill Set Could Trouble Islam Makhachev
Stylistically, Ian Garry presents a unique challenge for Islam Makhachev. Standing 6-foot-3, he excels at controlling range with his jab, front kicks, calf kicks, and constant lateral movement. Unlike many of Makhachev’s previous opponents, Garry rarely overextends on his attacks and is comfortable fighting behind his length, making him difficult to pressure consistently.
Garry’s defensive grappling could also prove to be the deciding factor. Against Rakhmonov, one of the UFC’s most feared grapplers, Garry showcased exceptional takedown defense while repeatedly forcing scrambles and denying prolonged control.
The 28-year-old also came within seconds of submitting the unbeaten contender with a rear-naked choke late in the fight, highlighting that he is capable of threatening elite grapplers rather than simply surviving against them.
That performance offers a blueprint heading into UFC 330. Garry does not need to stop every takedown to win. If he can consistently defend the initial entries, quickly work back to his feet and keep the majority of the fight at striking range, his speed, movement and superior volume could allow him to bank rounds.
Makhachev’s championship experience and wrestling make him a deserved favorite, but Garry possesses the exact tools needed to test the champion. His length, footwork, takedown defense and striking discipline give him a realistic opportunity to neutralize Makhachev’s greatest strengths over five rounds.
Prediction: Makhachev will enjoy success with his wrestling early, but Garry’s elite takedown defense, range control and technical striking should allow him to take over as the fight progresses. Expect the Irishman to edge a razor-close contest and earn a split decision victory, becoming the new UFC welterweight champion in one of the biggest upsets of the year.
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