Machado Garry Stands A Chance At UFC 330

Ian Machado Garry has a legitimate path to victory against Islam Makhachev at UFC 330, though the betting lines suggest otherwise. MMA Mania's mailbag panel split on the Irish welterweight's chances, with several analysts citing his size advantage and defensive prowess as factors that could trouble the lightweight champion moving up.

Jesse Holland picked Machado Garry for the upset, pointing to recent defensive performances against elite grapplers. "Shavkat and Belal were 2-17 on takedown attempts and Garry is a better point fighter than Islam," Holland told MMA Mania. "It will be a close (and boring) decision but 'The Future' is NOW." Alex Behunin agreed Machado Garry has a shot if he can keep the fight upright, noting the Irishman's superior striking range and point-fighting ability could frustrate Makhachev's rhythm.

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Makhachev's Wrestling Remains The X-Factor

Tim Edwards acknowledged counting Machado Garry out previously only to be proven wrong, referencing strong recent showings against Shavkat Rakhmonov and Carlos Prates. The size differential between the fighters looms large, as does Makhachev's extended layoff before moving up to welterweight. Still, Edwards leaned toward the Dagestani champion retaining his title, calling Makhachev's wrestling "a trump card that can defeat anyone right now."

Thomas Myers noted that Makhachev has Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner, perhaps the smartest fight IQ the sport has seen. If Makhachev drops an early round playing standup, Myers expects a strategic shift to grinding out a mat-heavy victory. Andrew Richardson views Makhachev as fairly untested at 170 pounds despite holding the belt, giving Machado Garry's size and defensive smarts a real chance to make the fight competitive.

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to UFC 330 on Ticketmaster →

UFC 330 takes place later this year with the welterweight title on the line.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Mania Mailbag: Does Ian Machado Garry stand a chance at UFC 330?