Makhachev Dismisses Garry As Biggest Challenge At UFC 330

Islam Makhachev does not consider Ian Machado Garry his toughest opponent ahead of their UFC 330 welterweight title fight Saturday night.

The two-division champion told reporters at media day that Garry has skills but falls short of being a complete fighter. "It's not going to be my biggest challenge," Makhachev said, per MMA Fighting. "He's just good. I give him respect. He has good skills but everybody knows my game. He has some weak points. He's not complete like 100% like myself."

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Makhachev Critiques Garry's Point-Fighting Style

Makhachev took aim at Garry's approach of winning on the scorecards rather than stopping opponents. He suggested the Irish welterweight runs backward and works for points instead of finishes. On the striker-versus-grappler dynamic, Makhachev said wrestling gives him the easiest path to victory but confirmed he can stand with anyone if needed. "If I want the easy win, I have to take them down and finish them," he said.

Garry claimed during fight week that he has faced tougher competition than Makhachev recently, a statement the lightweight champion laughed off. Makhachev pointed to his submission of Garry's teammate Charles Oliveira and said Garry loses when he faces elite opponents, referencing his decision loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov.

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Makhachev insisted nothing about the fight is personal despite the escalating trash talk. He called Garry a good person who acts like a bad boy and promised to make him humble Saturday. The UFC 330 main event takes place this weekend.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Islam Makhachev scoffs at Ian Machado Garry being his toughest opponent to date at UFC 330: ‘It’s not going to be my biggest challenge’