Makhachev Will Take Path Of Least Resistance At UFC 330

Islam Makhachev will rely on wrestling to defend his welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330, former champion Tyron Woodley predicts.

Speaking with Jackpot City Casino, per MMA Junkie, Woodley said the Dagestani champion will not abandon his strongest weapon to prove a point. "He's going to take the path of least resistance," Woodley said. "He's not worried about proving anything like, 'I can strike too.' He's going to do what's going to secure him the victory."

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Why Makhachev's Wrestling Game Plan Makes Sense

Woodley argued that Garry cannot develop sufficient grappling skills in a three-month camp to neutralize something Makhachev has perfected over a lifetime. "Ian Garry, most likely, is not going to be able to build skills in three months that are going to be enough to stop something Islam has been doing his whole life," he said.

The analyst expects takedowns to define the Philadelphia main event. Whether Garry can scramble back to his feet or create space before hitting the mat will determine how competitive the fight remains, Woodley noted, but the Irish contender will end up on his back regardless.

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Makhachev will not let ego override strategy, Woodley said. "Islam is not going to abort his wrestling, his pressure and his dominance to engage in a striking battle so everybody can quit saying he's just a wrestler. He's smart enough not to let the ego get in play."

UFC 330 takes place Saturday in Philadelphia.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Islam Makhachev will take path of least resistance at UFC 330, says analyst