Conor McGregor has backed his fellow Irishman and protégé Ian Machado Garry to defeat Islam Makhachev at UFC 330, going as far as predicting a head-kick knockout. McGregor said:
“Let’s go, Garry. He has the tools, he’s long, he’s gonna stay safe. Makhachev still has things to prove in that welterweight division. How do I see it? Right high kick across the crown of the head, and a victory for the Irish Brazilian.”
McGregor’s prediction is particularly intriguing given Ian Machado Garry’s physical advantages. The Irish welterweight stands at 1.91m, while Makhachev is listed at 1.78m. Garry’s length could allow him to maintain distance and potentially keep Makhachev from comfortably entering his grappling range.
However, Garry has not displayed significant knockout power in his most recent fights. His recent victories have largely come via decision, making McGregor’s specific prediction of a head-kick KO an especially bold one.
The matchup also carries an interesting storyline outside the Octagon. Garry is a protégé of McGregor, while Makhachev is closely associated with McGregor’s longtime rival Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Islam Makhachev Is Predicting an Early Finish Against Ian Machado Garry
While McGregor is backing Garry to land a spectacular head-kick finish, Makhachev has also predicted an early finish in the opposite direction.
That creates an intriguing contrast heading into UFC 330: McGregor believes Garry’s height and range will allow him to stay safe and eventually find the head with a high kick, while Makhachev expects to impose his own game and end the contest early.
With Garry holding a significant height advantage and Makhachev bringing elite grappling and pressure, the fight could ultimately come down to whether Garry can use his length effectively before Makhachev closes the distance.
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