Islam Makhachev is confident he can make quick work of Ian Machado Garry when the two meet in the main event of UFC 330 this Saturday.
Makhachev (28-1 MMA, 17-1 UFC) will look to continue his run at the top of the welterweight division when he takes on Garry (17-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) in a highly anticipated matchup. While the pound-for-pound number one is known for his elite grappling and Dagestani wrestling, Makhachev insists he is much more than a grappler and believes he has multiple paths to victory.
“I’m not just a grappler, I’m the best fighter in the world,” Makhachev said in the latest episode of UFC Countdown. “We just have to follow our plan. We’re going to follow him, we’re going to pressure him always, we’re not going to give him space to run.”
Makhachev expects his pressure and control to dictate the fight, leaving Garry with little opportunity to use his movement and striking at range.
“I’m going to control this fight,” Makhachev said. “I can make this fight easy.”
Although Makhachev acknowledged the reputation of Dagestan’s wrestling, he made it clear that he will not rely solely on his grappling to get the job done. The UFC star is prepared to capitalize on any opening that presents itself.
“Everybody knows Dagestan wrestling is the best in the world, but I’m going to use any chance to finish (the fight),” he said.
Makhachev is also confident that his game plan could lead to an early finish, rather than a drawn-out five-round battle.
“I just have to follow my plan and I can beat him in the first round,” Makhachev said.
