TLDR
- Jorge Masvidal hopes Islam Makhachev will ‘manhandle’ Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330
- Masvidal’s comments show his clear preference against Machado Garry in the upcoming fight
- UFC 330 will feature a matchup between lightweight champion Makhachev and welterweight contender Machado Garry
- Masvidal retired from active competition but continues to share his opinions on current fighters
- The former welterweight contender appears to have issues with Machado Garry
Sources: sports.yahoo.com
Retired UFC welterweight Jorge Masvidal has made his feelings clear about an upcoming fight at UFC 330. The former title challenger says he hopes lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will dominate Ian Machado Garry when the two meet later this year.
Masvidal used strong language to describe how he wants the fight to go. He specifically said he hopes Makhachev “manhandles” Machado Garry during their scheduled bout.
The comments reveal a clear dislike for Machado Garry from the retired fighter. Masvidal, who stepped away from active competition, has not held back in sharing his opinions about current UFC athletes.
Machado Garry’s Rise in the Welterweight Division
Ian Machado Garry has been climbing the ranks in the UFC’s welterweight division. The Irish fighter has built an impressive record and drawn attention with his performances inside the octagon.
Machado Garry’s rising profile has also brought criticism from some fighters and fans. His confidence and outspoken personality have created both supporters and detractors in the MMA community.
Weidman and Poirier think Islam Makhachev's takedowns are going to be too much for Ian Machado Garry
"I think this is going to be a really stressful fight for Ian Garry… He's going to be s**ting his pants about the takedown." pic.twitter.com/WoNz0V99cm
— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) July 27, 2026
The welterweight contender has remained focused on his career despite outside noise. He continues to take on tougher opponents as he works toward a potential title shot.
Islam Makhachev’s Dominance as Champion
Islam Makhachev currently holds the UFC lightweight championship. The Dagestani fighter has defended his title multiple times with dominant performances.
Makhachev trains under Khabib Nurmagomedov and shares a similar fighting style. His ground game and wrestling have proven too much for most opponents to handle.
The champion has looked nearly unbeatable in his recent fights. He has finished or decisively beaten every challenger who has stepped up to face him.
A potential matchup between Makhachev and Machado Garry at UFC 330 would be interesting for several reasons. The two fighters compete in different weight classes, which would require one of them to move up or down.
Masvidal’s prediction favors the grappling-heavy approach of Makhachev. The former fighter appears to believe that style will overwhelm Machado Garry’s striking-based game.
The retired welterweight built his career on knockout power and street fighting credibility. He became famous for his flying knee knockout of Ben Askren and his “BMF” title fight against Nate Diaz.
Masvidal competed for the welterweight championship twice but came up short both times. He fought Kamaru Usman for the title in 2020 and again in 2021, losing both bouts.
Since retiring, Masvidal has stayed involved in combat sports through commentary and business ventures. He launched his own bare-knuckle fighting promotion called Gamebred Fighting Championship.
The former fighter has never been shy about sharing his opinions on other athletes. His outspoken nature made him popular with fans during his fighting career.
Machado Garry has not yet publicly responded to Masvidal’s comments. The welterweight contender typically addresses criticism through his social media channels or in interviews.
UFC 330 is scheduled to take place later in 2026. The event is expected to feature several high-profile matchups on the card.
