Michael Morales shares bold prediction for Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry title fight at UFC 330

Islam Makhachev is set to defend his welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry in the main event of UFC 330 on August 15 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The matchup has already generated significant buzz, with many figures from the MMA world already sharing their predictions.

Now, the official backup fighter for the UFC 330 main event, Michael Morales, has shared his prediction for the highly anticipated title fight.

Michael Morales Backs Islam Makhachev to Dominate Machado Garry

Morales was recently interviewed by Danny Segura in Spanish. The undefeated welterweight made it clear that he sees Makhachev retaining the title and believes Garry has no chance of pulling off the upset. 

He dismissed Garry's chances in emphatic fashion, claiming only a fight-ending strike could prevent Makhachev from leaving Philadelphia with the belt.

“Zero, zero, zero chance. You might not believe it, but the card at the White House, I predicted every fight. I don’t see Ian with many chances,” Morales said. “It would have to be a brutal shot that stops Makhachev. I’m 100 percent going with Makhachev. So no, no, no: Ian, definitely not.”

Michael Morales Breaks Down How Makhachev Beats Garry

Morales also explained why he believes the champion will have complete control throughout the fight. According to the undefeated welterweight, Makhachev's well-rounded skill set and elite grappling will be too much for Garry to overcome over five rounds.

“We already know his plan. He’s done it all his life,” Morales added. “He’s going to strike and go for the takedown. He has great control on the ground. I think the fight spends the entire five rounds on the ground, or he’s going to finish. We all know how they fight.” 

Check out Michael Morales' comment below: 

The game plan Morales highlighted is exactly what Makhachev executed to dethrone Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 and capture the welterweight title. He dominated Maddalena on the ground for five rounds and secured a comfortable unanimous decision victory. The reigning champion will look to do the same at UFC 330.

On the other hand, Garry will have a significant reach advantage over Makhachev, and the fight IQ he has shown throughout his career could pose a threat to the welterweight champion's reign. The Irishman is coming off a unanimous decision victory over former 170-pound champion Belal Muhammad in his most recent outing.