Jon Jones believes Islam Makhachev has the tools to successfully defend his UFC welterweight title when he takes on Ian Machado Garry next month.
Makhachev (28-1 MMA, 17-1 UFC) is scheduled to make the first defense of his 170-pound championship against the Irish contender (17-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) in the main event of UFC 330 in Philadelphia on Aug. 15. The former lightweight champion captured the welterweight title at UFC 322 last November, defeating Jack Della Maddalena in his divisional debut after vacating the 155-pound belt.
Machado Garry earned the title shot following his unbeaten run through the welterweight division and now faces the toughest test of his career against one of the UFC's most accomplished champions.
Speaking to Red Corner MMA this week, former two-division UFC champion Jon Jones said he expects Makhachev to retain the title, citing the champion's elite wrestling background as the biggest factor.
“Yeah, Islam's going to fight against Ian Garry next, right? I assume that Islam's going to win that one, just because of his wrestling pedigree. To be able to take it, the fight's going to be standing or on the ground— it's a great gift.”
Jones also praised Makhachev's support system and mindset, while making it clear that his prediction is not based on personal loyalty.
“Another guy with a strong team behind him, strong faith. I'm not rooting for anyone in that fight because I don't know either one of those guys on the personal level, but I'm assuming that Islam's going to win. That's my prediction.”
Makhachev enters the bout looking to continue his dominance after successfully transitioning from lightweight to welterweight, while Machado Garry will attempt to become Ireland's latest UFC champion by pulling off the biggest win of his career.
While Jones is giving the edge to the reigning champion, Machado Garry has made no secret of his belief that he possesses the style and mindset needed to dethrone Makhachev when they meet in Philadelphia on Aug. 15.
