{"id":168,"date":"2026-07-05T13:53:32","date_gmt":"2026-07-05T13:53:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/mma\/?p=168"},"modified":"2026-07-05T13:53:32","modified_gmt":"2026-07-05T13:53:32","slug":"ian-garry-islam-makhachev-ufc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/mma\/2026\/07\/05\/ian-garry-islam-makhachev-ufc\/","title":{"rendered":"Usman Nurmagomedov Backs Ian Garry as a Real Challenge for Islam Makhachev at UFC 330\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ian Garry believes he has what it takes to dethrone Islam Makhachev. Just days after the Dagestani’s first welterweight title defense was made official for UFC 330 on August 15, the Irish contender outlined his ideal game plan during his Matchroom Talent Agency signing press conference.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rather than chasing an early finish, Garry said he wants to <\/span>dominate Makhachev over several rounds<\/span><\/a> before securing a statement victory in the fourth. It’s an ambitious prediction, especially considering Makhachev’s dominance in recent years. Garry’s confidence is clear, but calling a finish over Makhachev is a bold claim given his own recent record.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Irishman hasn’t earned a stoppage victory since submitting Daniel Rodriguez at UFC Charlotte in May 2023. Since then, most of his wins have come via the judges’ scorecards, with nine of his 17 professional victories and seven of his 10 UFC wins ending in decisions. Still, not everyone is dismissing Garry’s chances. Usman Nurmagomedov believes ‘The Future’ is a legitimate threat and has the tools to trouble Makhachev when they meet in Philadelphia.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The reigning PFL lightweight champion admitted Garry is capable of pulling off the upset. <\/span>Speaking to MMA Junkie<\/span><\/a>, the undefeated Russian said, <\/span>\u201cIan Garry is a top guy, and of course he can do something. But I think Islam is going to be prepared for everything. Striking and wrestling.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Even so, Nurmagomedov believes Makhachev’s all-around skill set will ultimately be too much for the Irish challenger. He explained,<\/span> \u201cWe know Ian Garry has problems with wrestling and grappling. Islam have very good control on the ground, and very good wrestling to take the guy to the ground. He’s now got good striking. It’s a very good fight. In my opinion, it’s a huge fight.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

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A post shared by The Bohnfire MMA (@thebohnfiremma)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n