UFC 330: Jorge Masvidal, Chris Weidman, and Mike Malott Predict Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry

With just weeks to go before UFC 330, opinions are pouring in on one of the year's most intriguing title fights. Islam Makhachev's first welterweight title defense against Ian Machado Garry has fans pumped, with debates and discussions buzzing in every corner, but many in the MMA community appear to be leaning toward the champion.

While Garry's movement and disciplined striking have earned him plenty of respect, questions remain about how he'll cope with arguably the most complete grappler in the sport. Although a handful of veterans believe the Irishman can make things interesting, most still expect Makhachev's wrestling to prove the difference once the door closes behind him. 

Masvidal, Poirier, and Weidman Back Makhachev to Overcome Garry

UFC’s former BMF title holder Jorge Masvidal has never been one to mince his words, especially when Garry is involved. For the unversed, the former BMF champion has traded verbal shots with Garry in recent months after taking exception to the Irishman's comments about former welterweight king Kamaru Usman.

Masvidal accused Garry of disrespecting accomplished veterans and has repeatedly questioned both his resume and fighting style. It came as little surprise when he sided firmly with Makhachev ahead of UFC 330.

"I think he's getting choked to sleep," Masvidal said to his co-panelists on the “Deep Water” podcast. "I hope (Islam) Makhachev goes in there, manhandles his a**, gets his neck, and puts his a** to sleep."

Although “Gamebred” acknowledged that the 28-year-old’s defensive movement is one of his biggest strengths, he doesn't believe the challenger has ever faced a grappler of Makhachev’s caliber.

"He's not bad defensively. His defense isn't bad and his footwork is what I think is amazing, but he hasn't grappled with a guy like Makhachev, the sweeps, the inside trips, the upper body."

His co-panelist and former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman, shares a similar outlook. While Weidman expects Garry to have moments on the feet, he believes the constant threat of the takedown will weigh heavily on the challenger throughout the fight.

"I think this is going to be a really stressful fight for Ian Garry, though. I don't think he is going to be that comfortable because he's going to be s**ting his pants about the takedown because he sees how good Islam's on the ground and Islam's going to throw hard on the feet too."

Furthermore, Dustin Poirier, who went to war with the Dagestani at UFC 302 in 2024, also picked Makhachev to retain his title, echoing a sentiment shared by several current and former UFC stars. 

In a nutshell, that assessment lines up with Makhachev's own confidence heading into the contest. The champion recently dismissed the idea that Garry's movement would be enough to keep him at bay, insisting he  plans to "catch him" and take him down just as he has done against previous opponents.

Mike Malott Believes Garry has Tools to Make Fight Interesting

Not everyone, however, sees the fight as a one-sided affair. Canadian welterweight Mike Malott believes Garry deserves far more credit than he's receiving, pointing to the Irishman's history of exceeding expectations against difficult opposition.

"I think Ian's a really high level fighter. I think it's a tough test for him. But I wouldn't be shocked, man. He has done really well in fights in the past, and there have been moments where there were guys that you think he might struggle with more and he has looked great."

Rather than predicting an easy night for either man, Malott expects a far more competitive championship fight than many fans anticipate. "It's definitely not a cake walk of a fight for either one of these guys."

His view reflects why “Machado” has climbed into title contention in the first place. Outside of a short-notice loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov, the Irish contender has consistently found ways to solve different styles. 

UFC 330 Main Event a Critical Test for Ian Machado Garry

Whether through measured striking, disciplined footwork, or smart tactical adjustments, Garry has built a reputation as one of the division's sharpest technicians. That said, UFC 330 presents a different challenge entirely.

The 34-year-old Pound for Pound king has overwhelmed elite opponents across two weight classes with a blend of suffocating grappling, elite clinch control, and a supreme striking game. 

If Garry can keep the fight standing for extended stretches, he may force the champion into unfamiliar territory. On the other hand, if Makhachev succeeds in dragging the fight into his world, many of the sport's biggest names believe the outcome is already written.

Come August 15, Garry will have the chance to prove those predictions wrong. Until then, the majority of the MMA world appears to believe the welterweight champion leaves Philadelphia with his title still firmly around his waist.