Makhachev On Topuria And Chimaev Losses

Islam Makhachev is drawing motivation from watching Ilia Topuria and Khamzat Chimaev drop their UFC titles in stunning upsets this year.

The welterweight champion defends his belt against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 later this month in Philadelphia. Makhachev won the welterweight strap by defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, adding a second division title to his lightweight crown and extending his winning streak to 16 fights.

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What Makhachev Learned From Recent Upsets

Asked by MMA Junkie what he took from watching Topuria and Chimaev lose their belts, Makhachev credited his training camp for keeping him grounded. "We talk inside the team also about the guys who lost because maybe some of them lose their focus," he said, per a report from Bloody Elbow. "Maybe some of them, you know, not staying training hard but everybody knows in our gym, it's not working like that."

The Dagestani champion said his coaches push him regardless of his championship status. He added that everyone in the gym trains at the same intensity whether they hold a title or not.

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Makhachev has not lost since a knockout defeat to Adriano Martins at UFC 192. Garry presents a unique challenge with his takedown defense, which could force Makhachev to rely more on striking than his typical wrestling-heavy approach. The fight headlines UFC 330 in Philadelphia.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Islam Makhachev motivated by Ilia Topuria, Khamzat Chimaev’s shocking losses ahead of UFC 330