Oliveira says Garry has strong chance to upset Makhachev at UFC 330

Ian Machado Garry will face Islam Makhachev for the UFC welterweight championship on Aug. 15 in Philadelphia. Garry earned the title shot after defeating former champion Belal Muhammad in November 2025. Charles Oliveira, who lost to Makhachev in 2022, said he has been training specifically for the matchup since then.

"He knew he was next in line for the title," Oliveira told MMA Fighting. "And he’s been completely focused on this matchup with Makhachev ever since."

Oliveira added that Garry’s preparation benefits from the team’s previous work against Makhachev, noting the Irish fighter’s strategic mindset and adherence to game plans.

"Ian truly has a very good chance of beating Makhachev," Oliveira said. "I’m not saying that because he’s my friend or because he’s part of our team, but because of what we’ve seen and how he’s been training."

Oliveira highlighted Garry’s study of opponents, consistent training camp, and confidence in his jiu-jitsu as factors that could influence the fight’s outcome. He also noted Makhachev’s potential to set a UFC record for consecutive wins, which Garry could prevent.

"The difference with Ian is his intelligence. He never strays from the strategy. Whatever the team plans together with him for the fight, he’ll follow it from start to finish," Oliveira said.

The bout will determine whether Makhachev extends his winning streak or Garry captures the welterweight title.