Khabib explains why Garry is dangerous for Makhachev

The UFC Hall of Famer believes Garry’s size and movement will make Makhachev’s first welterweight title defense far more difficult than many expect.

Khabib Nurmagomedov believes that Ian Machado Garry will be one of the toughest opponents for Islam Makhachev. The reason for this is, of course, Ian Machado Garry’s physical attributes, as well as his fighting style. He is 15 cm taller than Islam Makhachev, which allows him to maintain a consistent distance. So Islam Makhachev will have to close that very distance to get into grappling range.

“We’ll have to chase him, close him down, grab him, bring him together, and take him down”

said Khabib Nurmagomedov.

According to him, however, nothing fundamental should be changed in Islam Makhachev’s tactics. Instead, Islam Makhachev should be the one to apply constant pressure and land takedowns. That said, this isn’t as easy to train for as one might think. According to Khabib Nurmagomedov, preparation will be a difficult factor to overcome anyway.

"The training camp will be difficult too, first because we have to find someone who can imitate him”

he said.

So this will by no means be an easy warm-up for Islam Makhachev. He’ll be at a clear disadvantage in terms of reach, but most people see him as the clear favorite once he finds his wrestling rhythm. The only question is how quickly he’ll be able to find it against Ian Machado Garry.

I think Khabib Nurmagomedov’s comments make the fight even more exciting. Of course, we already knew that the size difference would be a problem for Islam Makhachev, but hearing Khabib Nurmagomedov say again that it will be very difficult to prepare him for it changes things quite a bit, in my opinion. I’m very curious to see how they’ll manage to prepare Islam Makhachev.