Makhachev outlines strategy to counter Garry's movement ahead of UFC 330

Welterweight champion Islam Makhachev said his game plan for UFC 330 centers on following Ian Machado Garry’s movement and looking for takedown opportunities. The Dagestan native, who is preparing for his first title defense, explained that Garry “runs too much” and that he intends to “catch him, take him down, just what I did with my old opponents.”

Makhachev’s camp has been training at Nick Catone MMA in New Jersey, with teammates and coaches, including Khabib Nurmagomedov and Javier Mendez, present for daily sessions. He added that the preparation is proceeding smoothly and that the familiar gym environment helps keep the team focused.

The champion also addressed the presence of former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira among Garry’s training partners, recalling Oliveira’s loss to Makhachev in 2022. Makhachev joked that Oliveira would “teach him how to tap fast,” but indicated he does not consider Oliveira’s involvement a significant factor.

While Garry is known for outspoken remarks, Makhachev said the upcoming bout is “just a regular opponent” and not a matter of national rivalry, noting the current 2-0 record of his camp’s fighters against Irish opponents and anticipating a potential 3-0 outcome.

"Everything is going very well," Makhachev said. "We stay in the same gym the last couple of fights. We stay in New Jersey and training at Nick Catone MMA, it’s a very nice gym. I have too many of my brothers and friends and sparring partners, almost all the team is here, we’re training together. Khabib is here. Javier is here. We’re training everyday very hard to be ready."