Jon Jones picks Islam Makhachev over Ian Garry at UFC 330

Jon Jones expects Islam Makhachev to defend the welterweight title against Ian Garry when the two meet at UFC 330.

Makhachev takes on Garry on Aug. 15 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, putting his welterweight strap up for grabs in the headliner. Jones told Sport24ru that Makhachev's grappling background gives him the edge and places the Dagestani champion among the sport's all-time elite.

Jones credits Makhachev's wrestling pedigree

"I'm going with Islam because he has a wrestling background, and it's very hard to beat wrestlers," Jones said, per Sherdog. "He may just be one of the greatest fighters in the world. Right now, it's me and maybe him. So, I encourage him to keep going."

Makhachev moved up to welterweight after defending the lightweight belt four times, the most in divisional history. He stripped the title from Jack Della Maddalena last year in dominant fashion.

Garry brings a 17-1 record into the fight, with 10 UFC wins and a single loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov. The Irishman has since rebounded with victories over Belal Muhammad and Carlos Prates.

First bell for UFC 330 is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Jon Jones shares pick for UFC 330 headliner