Jack Della Maddalena believes Ian Machado Garry has the tools to dethrone Islam Makhachev and become the UFC welterweight champion at UFC 330 in Philadelphia this evening.
Garry is set to face Makhachev in the five-round main event, with the welterweight title on the line. The fight marks Makhachev’s first title defense since he captured the belt by defeating Della Maddalena at UFC 322 last November at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Della Maddalena, who knows Makhachev’s skill set firsthand, is backing Garry to use his length and striking to neutralize the champion’s grappling and control the pace of the fight.
Speaking in a video posted to his social media accounts, Della Maddalena gave a clear prediction for the matchup.
“Makhachev vs. Garry. I believe Ian Garry is going to get the win,” Della Maddalena said. “I think he's going to be too long. He's going to be able to keep the distance. Yeah, keep the fight in the range that he's going to have the advantage.”
Della Maddalena expects Garry to rely heavily on his kicking and jab while avoiding prolonged exchanges with Makhachev.
“I think he will kick the legs, jab, stay away from Makhachev, and outpoint his way to a five-round decision,” he said.
