Charles Oliveira says Ian Machado Garry‘s IQ is not to be ignored at UFC 330.
Machado Garry (17-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) challenges welterweight champion Makhachev (28-1 MMA, 17-1 UFC) in the Aug. 15 headliner at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia (Paramount+).
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Makhachev is a big favorite over Machado Garry, who’s been training with BMF champion Oliveira for quite some time in Brazil. Oliveira says Machado Garry’s ability to stick to a game plan will pay dividends against Makhachev, who is unbeaten in 16 fights.
“Islam is huge – never going to take that away from him. But on the other side, you have Ian,” Oliveira told UFC on Paramount+ through an interpreter. “He’s a guy that puts that game plan right under his arms and just sticks to it, and that’s the reason why I believe in him.
“He’s a guy that just never detours from the plan. He goes and follows the strategy and is a guy that you need to pay attention to. Look at what he’s done with these recent opponents. He’s been able to beat them at his game and impose his rhythm, so I do believe he has a chance to do that.”
Oliveira was submitted by Makhachev in their lightweight title fight at UFC 280. When asked if Machado Garry has an opportunity to avenge him, Oliveira said it’s not about him.
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“That’s not an issue – it doesn’t exist,” Oliveira said. “(Makhachev) has all the merit in the world for beating me when it happened, but I’m going to be happy for Ian when he goes out there and gets the win and gets the belt. It’s his story, and that’s what you need to be happy for.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Charles Oliveira on what makes Machado Garry dangerous for Makhachev
