Ian Machado Garry rips Islam Makhachev's blanket strategy
Ian Machado Garry does not want to spend 25 minutes under Islam Makhachev when they meet at UFC 330 in August.
Garry said getting pinned by the Dagestani champion would be his worst case scenario when he challenges for the welterweight title on August 15. Makhachev took that belt off Jack Della Maddalena last November in a fight that saw the wrestler control position for five rounds with minimal risk. Garry told the High Performance podcast that fate is not on his list.
Garry calls Makhachev style unfun for everyone
"He can suffocate you and just lie on you like a weighted blanket, and you just find it so hard to move," Garry said, per MMA Mania. "And I'm like, that's not fun for anyone. It's not fun for me. It shouldn't be fun for him, and it's definitely not fun for anyone watching."
The Irish welterweight said he would rather get finished than held down in a non-fight. He argued that mixed martial arts fans move on quickly from knockouts and submissions but that getting nullified leaves a different mark. Garry said too many fighters focus on not losing instead of going for the win.
Still, Garry sounded confident he will avoid that outcome. He said he is too good and feels a divine guidance when he steps in the octagon. Makhachev has not defended the welterweight strap since taking it from Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in New York. The bout is scheduled for the UFC 330 main event.
Reported via:
- MMA Mania — Ian Machado Garry criticizes Islam Makhachev for ‘blanket’ strategy: ‘That’s not fun for anyone’
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