Poirier On Garry's Path To Beat Makhachev

Dustin Poirier believes Ian Machado Garry has only one route to victory against Islam Makhachev at UFC 330 — a standing knockout.

Garry challenges Makhachev for the UFC welterweight title in Philadelphia, and Poirier, speaking on his Deep Waters podcast, said the Irishman must finish the champion to leave with the belt. "That's the only way Ian wins this fight is landing a shot standing up, hurting him," Poirier said, per MMA Junkie. "I don't think he's going to win a decision, and I don't think he's going to submit him. He has to finish him."

Can Garry Avoid Makhachev's Grappling?

Poirier said he plans to study Garry's past performances against wrestlers before making a firm prediction. "I need to go back and see Ian Garry fight some wrestlers, his takedown defense, his wall work, his get ups," he said. "I need to see a little bit more, just refresh my memory on his grappling because obviously Islam is going to drown him, I think, but I need to see how good he is in those positions."

While Garry's footwork could help him maintain distance early, Poirier warned that movement alone won't be enough. He noted the Irishman must do more than circle and jab to win rounds against a fighter pressuring him to the fence. "You can't just run the whole time throwing a jab and expect to win the round against a guy who's pushing you against the fence," Poirier said.

Makhachev enters as a heavy favorite, widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in MMA. UFC 330 takes place August 16.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Ian Machado Garry can’t run from Islam Makhachev, says Dustin Poirier