Islam Makhachev‘s team is not overlooking Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330.
Makhachev (28-1 MMA, 17-1 UFC) will attempt to make his first welterweight title defense on Aug. 15 when he meets Machado Garry (17-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) in the headliner at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia (Paramount+). With a win, Makhachev will take sole possession of the record for most consecutive octagon victories at 17 straight.
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Usman Nurmagomedov, the current PFL lightweight champion who is a primary training partner of Makhachev, acknowledges that Machado Garry is capable of preventing history from happening. He has the utmost belief in his teammate, though, and knows if Makhachev fights to his ability, it will be another successful night.
“Ian Garry is a tough guy and of course he can do something,” Nurmagomedov told MMA Junkie. “But I think Islam going to be prepared for everything. Striking and wrestling. We 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.”
Nurmagomedov has been by Makhachev’s side as he’s put together one of the most iconic careers in UFC history. He’s on the doorstep of a feat many thought was impossible by exceeding the 16 consecutive wins that UFC Hall of Famer Anderson Silva once held.
If Makhachev is able to raise the bar at UFC 330, then further exceed it with more wins, then Nurmagomedov said he must be truly appreciated.
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“Yes, in my opinion, Islam is the best fighter in the world right now,” Nurmagomedov said. “What he’s doing, nobody can do. He now breaking the records with Anderson Silva. Can you imagine that brother? If he did, nobody ever going to break this.”
Nurmagomedov (21-0) will look for his own title defense two weeks prior to UFC 330 when he puts his PFL lightweight belt on the line against Archie Colgan (13-0) in the main event of PFL Long Island on July 25 at UBS Arena in New York.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Usman Nurmagomedov: Ian Machado Garry can test Islam Makhachev at UFC 330
