Dan Hardy Explains Why Islam Makhachev Must Adapt His Game at Welterweight
Dan Hardy has revealed what changes Islam Makhachev will have to make if he wants to survive in the welterweight division after going toe to toe with Ian Garry at UFC 330.
Dominating the UFC lightweight division is one thing, but ruling 170 pounds is an entirely different beast. Even after Islam Makhachev took home a unanimous decision win over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330, extending his promotional winning streak to an unprecedented 17 straight fights, the bout proved that life at welterweight won't be a walk in the park.
Former UFC title challenger and analyst Dan Hardy took a close look at the matchup, pointing out that the Dagestani champion had to dig deep into a whole new playbook to deal with the sheer size disparity.
Navigating the Frame and Leverage of 170-Pounders
At 155 pounds, Makhachevâs chain wrestling and trip-heavy judo routinely flattened opponents. But against a rangy 6-foot-3 frame like Machado Garry's, takedowns become a battle of leverage and endurance. Hardy broke down why the physics of the division force a fundamental shift in how the Russian star operates.
âMakhachev has stepped into a weight class where guys are weighing in 15 pounds heavier, and theyâve got more muscle mass, bigger frames,â Hardy explained during an appearance on Submission Radio. âThere are guys who are like 6'2", 6'3", with broad shoulders and long arms, difficult to take down because thereâs always a limb thatâs gonna connect to the floor.â
That reach and limb length change the defensive margin for opponents. When a smaller fighter shoots in, a taller welterweight can post a hand or a foot far wide of the center line, giving them extra balance to scramble back up or stuff the initial entry. Makhachev landed seven of his 15 takedown attempts against Garry, but he had to grind through relentless resets and work along the cage rather than scoring easy slams in open space.
âMakhachevâs game has had to change, and I think this is where Makhachev will adapt if he stays in the welterweight division and keeps defending the belt,â Hardy noted. âI think this is more about hustle.â
Now sitting at 29-1, Makhachev proved he can outwork elite contenders even when he doesn't hold the physical edge. If he intends to stay and clean out a division stacked with physical powerhouses, pure technique alone won't be enough; the champ himself admitted this after the fight, claiming that he would have to put on more muscle mass to fill out his frame.
