Islam Makhachev promises more aggressive approach against Ian Machado Garry
The UFC welterweight champion says he will take more risks in his first title defense after fighting conservatively against Jack Della Maddalena.
Islam Makhachev is used to finishing his opponents, but that was not the case the last time he stepped into the Octagon. The Russian is now promising a different approach for his first welterweight title defense. After defeating Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision to become a two-division UFC champion, Makhachev admitted he fought primarily to secure the victory and avoid unnecessary risks. Ahead of his first title defense against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330, the champion says he intends to be much more aggressive this time.
Islam Makhachev Explains Conservative Approach against Maddalena
Although Makhachev didn't submit Maddalena, he dominated the Australian fighter on the ground throughout their UFC 322 main event, relying heavily on his wrestling and control to secure a clear decision victory. While the performance was enough to make him a two-division champion, the Russian now admits he deliberately avoided taking unnecessary risks. Speaking to MMA Junkie, Makhachev said winning the second belt was his only priority.
"Honestly, I watched the fight with Jack – I don't like this fight, you know? Because I want to be just double champ," Makhachev began. "I was just fighting like, you know, just for the win. I don't do some things to finish Jack, because I understood I won every round – I just want to take the second belt. If this was just like a regular fight, if we fight second time, I see I can finish him like every round."
Islam Makhachev Sees Weakness in Garry's Ground Game
Makhachev expects the matchup with Garry to look different. While the Russian believes his opponent's striking and long reach will present challenges on the feet, he is also confident he can finish the fight if he takes the Irishman to the ground. According to Makhachev, he is willing to take more risks in this fight so he can chase a finish.
"This fight, I will take more risks to finish my opponent, because I like finishing my opponents," Makhachev said. "This fight, I think honestly, from the first time when I take him down, I have a chance to finish him, because I saw his ground game – it's not so good, you know? He have good striking, long reach, long arm, and he control the distance, always go back, but I see when I take him down, it's gonna be a finish."
After moving up a weight class and defeating Maddalena to become a two-division champion, Makhachev will put his welterweight title on the line for the first time at UFC 330. This time, however, the Russian says he plans to pursue a finish rather than play it safe as he did in his previous bout.
