PFL champ Usman Nurmagomedov mimicking Ian Garry for Makhachev

Islam Makhachev has brought in PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov to mimic Ian Garry ahead of his welterweight title defense at UFC 330.

Makhachev's coach Javier Mendez told Submission Radio that Nurmagomedov is serving as the primary sparring partner for the August 15 fight in Philadelphia, replicating Garry's distance management and long-range striking. Mendez praised the unbeaten Dagestani's ability to copy any opponent's approach.

Mendez calls Nurmagomedov best sparring option

"Usman would be the one individual that can mimic almost anybody," Mendez said, per Sherdog. "He would be the closest to Ian Garry for us." The American Kickboxing Academy head coach added that Nurmagomedov operates at a different level than most training partners.

Nurmagomedov holds a 21-0 record and defends his PFL title against Archie Colgan on July 31 at UBS Arena in Long Island, his final contracted bout with the promotion. Garry enters the Makhachev fight with a 17-1 mark and reputation as one of the division's sharpest strikers at range.

Makhachev makes his first defense of the 170-pound strap against Garry at Xfinity Mobile Arena. The champion moved up from lightweight after holding that title for three years and carries a 28-1 record into the bout.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Coach reveals PFL champion is helping Islam Makhachev by mimicking Ian Garry