TLDR
- Islam Makhachev plans to pressure Ian Garry constantly at UFC 330, saying the challenger ‘runs too much’ during fights
- Makhachev dismissed Charles Oliveira’s potential help to Garry, joking Oliveira will ‘teach him how to tap fast’
- The champion submitted Oliveira with an arm-triangle choke in their 2022 lightweight title fight
- Makhachev is training at Nick Catone MMA in New Jersey with Khabib Nurmagomedov and Javier Mendez
- The welterweight title fight takes place August 15 in Philadelphia at UFC 330
Sources: mmafighting.com | mmasucka.com | boxingnews.com
Islam Makhachev has revealed his game plan for UFC 330 and delivered a sharp jab at one of Ian Machado Garry’s main training partners in the process.
The UFC welterweight champion told MMA Fighting that he plans to pressure Garry constantly when they meet on August 15 in Philadelphia. Makhachev said Garry’s movement-heavy fighting style has forced him to focus on pursuit during training camp.
“His skills, I just have to run in this camp too much because I have to follow him,” Makhachev said at Zuffa Boxing 9. “He runs too much. I know his game plan. We always see his fights.”
The Dagestan native holds a 28-1 record and currently reigns as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the sport. He became a two-division champion after capturing the welterweight title and will now make his first defense at 170 pounds against Garry.
Makhachev said Garry has maintained the same approach throughout his UFC career. The champion plans to close the distance, secure takedowns, and impose his grappling game like he has against previous opponents.
Islam Makhachev on Ian Garry training with Charles Oliveira ahead of their fight:
"Charles gonna teach him how to tap fast, that's it." 😳
(via @MMAFighting) pic.twitter.com/W9AgV8n10k
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 27, 2026
Champion Dismisses Oliveira’s Inside Knowledge
Garry trains at Chute Boxe Academy alongside Charles Oliveira, who fought Makhachev for the lightweight title in 2022. That fight ended badly for Oliveira, who was knocked down early before tapping to an arm-triangle choke in the second round.
Many observers have suggested Oliveira could provide Garry with valuable insights about Makhachev’s style. The champion rejected that notion with a biting comment.
“Charles is going to teach him how to tap fast,” Makhachev joked. “That’s it.”
Garry has built his reputation on technical striking and constant movement, which has frustrated several opponents during his rise to 17-1. The Irish fighter uses distance management and footwork to pick apart opponents while avoiding unnecessary exchanges.
Oliveira recently praised Garry for his ability to stick to a game plan under pressure. The Brazilian believes this discipline gives his training partner a legitimate chance to upset Makhachev.
The champion remains unconvinced. He said Garry’s tendencies have stayed consistent throughout his UFC run, making him predictable despite the elusive style.
Training Camp Nearing Completion in New Jersey
Makhachev has relocated to New Jersey for the final phase of preparation. He is training at Nick Catone MMA alongside his full team, including head coach Javier Mendez and former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.
“Everything is going very well,” Makhachev said. “We stay in the same gym the last couple of fights. I have too many of my brothers and friends and sparring partners, almost all the team is here, we’re training together.”
The champion trains with Nurmagomedov and Mendez daily as the fight approaches. He said preparations have gone smoothly and his team has left nothing to chance.
Garry is known for verbal warfare before fights, but Makhachev said the matchup is strictly business. He dismissed suggestions that the fight carries deeper meaning as an Ireland versus Dagestan rivalry.
Some media members have framed the bout as a chance for Garry to avenge Irish losses to Makhachev’s camp. Khabib Nurmagomedov submitted Conor McGregor in 2018, and Usman Nurmagomedov defeated Paul Hughes twice in the PFL.
Makhachev said he doesn’t view the fight through that lens. “This is just a regular opponent,” he said. “It’s nothing between countries. But still [we are] 2-0 now, it’s going to be 3-0.”
The champion confirmed he will continue training hard every day until fight night. He expects to successfully defend his welterweight title on August 15 at UFC 330.
