PHILADELPHIA – Islam Makhachev gives Ian Machado Garry credit – but not too much credit.
Ahead of UFC 330 (Paramount+), which the two fighters headline against one another Saturday at Xfinity Mobile Arena, Makhachev (28-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC) voiced subtle confidence, laced with his soft-spoken, dry sense of humor.
"If you watch my last fight, (Jack) Della Maddalena was more of a boxer," Makhachev told MMA Junkie and other reporters Wednesday. "I think Ian has more skills. He's good in the striking. He has good wrestling defense. He has some weak points. He's not complete 100 percent, like myself. But he is good. It's going to be a good fight. I saw he had good takedown defense. I have some keys to beat him easy."
"... When he has good opponents, he loses.
That's it. When he had Shavkat (Rakhmonov), if he talks too much, just look at your fight. That guy beat you four rounds. That's it. ... He can beat Carlos (Prates). He can beat everyone. But I'm not the same like that, guys. I'm different."
Makhachev and Garry (17-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) had their first pre-fight faceoff Tuesday near Philadelphia's famous Rocky statue. Like many fans, Makhachev was surprised at the lack of size difference.
"I tell (my manager) Rizvan (Magomedov) the UFC has to check my (height) again," Makhachev said. "Ten years ago was the first time. Now I'm a little bit taller."
One thing Makhachev doesn't plan to be surprised by is Garry's game plan. Known as a technical point-fighter, Garry doesn't usually prioritize excitement over strategy. Makhachev expects Garry to be on the proverbial bicycle.
"He has the same style every fight," Makhachev said. "He just runs back, and he's just working for the point. I don't remember when he finished the last one."
Makhachev views Garry as a formidable opponent, but his personality? Makhachev thinks that could use a little work. He plans on adjusting Garry's attitude with his performance in the cage Saturday.
I think he's a good person, good guy," Makhachev said. "But he acts like he's a bad boy, or something like this. I tell him in the interview also, we will make him humble. We will make him good guy.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Islam Makhachev plans to 'humble' Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330: 'He acts like he's a bad boy'
