Dana White Drops Stern Warning To Islam Makhachev Ahead Of Ian Machado Fight
Just days before UFC 330, Dana White subtly cautioned Islam Makhachev against underestimating Ian Machado Garry by analyzing the Irish star’s fighting tactics.
For more than a decade, Islam Makhachev has held on to his winning status. It was in 2015 when the former Lightweight Champion was defeated by Adriano Martins by knockout. Since then, Makhachev has not been defeated inside the octagon. On November 16, 2025, Islam Makhachev defeated Jack Della Maddalena via unanimous decision, taking his record to 28-1. Now, as the reigning welterweight champ gears up for his upcoming bout against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330, the UFC boss Dana White forewarned him about his opponent.
Dana White Alerted Islam Makhachev About potential Ian Machado Garry Fight
With a record of 17-1, Machado Garry would be arriving at the Xfinity Mobile Arena to face the 11th two-division champion. Garry, too, has faced just one loss in his UFC career back in December 2024. Shavkat Rakhmonov defeated him by unanimous decision at UFC 310. However, in the recent past, “The Future” has been in excellent form. He defeated Carlos Prates and Belal Muhammad last year to secure his fight against Makhachev. This has made Dana White ring a warning bell for the Dagestani icon.
“I think it’s a great fight, actually. If you look at what Ian Garry has been able to do, he frustrates people. His takedown defense has been excellent, and we’ll see if he can stay on his feet,” stated White during a candid conversation with Oscar Willis for The Mac Life.
However, alongside showering praise for the Irish fighter, White also pointed out that Garry must safeguard himself from takedowns in order to challenge Makhchev. “Obviously, if he can stay off the ground, he poses a serious threat to Islam,” added White.
With a takedown accuracy of 56%, the 34-year-old champion is bucking for UFC 330. However, just days before the event, Makhachev’s coach has hinted at a no-takedown strategy for his upcoming bout against Garry.
Coach Javier Mendez Aims for Change of Strategy for Islam Makhachev’s Next Fight
Securing the title of the welterweight champion, Makhachev will be defending his new crown for the first time on August 15. While he is known for his heavy wrestling tactics, his mentor Javier Mendez has hinted he might not be following the same approach to secure his win against Garry.
“Ian Garry’s biggest advantage is his range. His ability to use his range well with his kicks — as well as his scrambling and takedown defences. We’re going to have to see what we can do once we are in the octagon,” Mendez stated in an interview with GiveMeSport. He further added, “Until we see Ian Garry’s timings we won’t know. We might not even have to take him down, we could just strike with him.”
Mendez shared how Makhachev and team have decided to analyze Ian Machado Garry’s play and accordingly decide the tactics for Makhachev. He believes Makhachev is ready to “adapt to anything” and defend his title successfully.
