Islam Makhachev prepares to defend UFC title against Ian Garry
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 7, 2026, 3:25 AM
Last updated Aug 7, 2026

Islam Makhachev (28-1) is set to defend his UFC welterweight title against Ian Garry (17-1) at UFC 330 on August 15 in Philadelphia. Coach Javier Mendez expressed confidence in Makhachev’s striking abilities, suggesting he may not need to grapple with Garry. Makhachev appears to be moving away from his safer strategies used in a previous title fight, vowing to seek a finish this time. Sources highlight a focus on Makhachev's evolution as a striker alongside his grappling skills.
- •Makhachev's title defense scheduled for August 15 at UFC 330
- •Coach Mendez emphasizes Makhachev’s striking capability
- •Makhachev vows to adopt a more aggressive style against Garry
- •Previously played it safe to secure welterweight title against Della Maddalena
- •Garry known for his evasive striking skills
- 3:25 AMYahoo Sports — Coach believes Islam Makhachev doesn’t have to take Ian Garry down
"Coach Javier Mendez’s confidence in Islam Makhachev’s striking has grown leaps and bounds over the years.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
UFC•Sep 23, 2026, 5:41 AMDana White hands UFC contract to KSW standout following first-round TKO- UFC•Sep 23, 2026, 5:31 AMDWCS 93 video: Marcos Degli makes UFC contract bid with standing choke
- UFC•Sep 23, 2026, 5:17 AMNew UFC signee says jet lag cost him KO: ‘I hate that guy’
UFC•Sep 23, 2026, 5:12 AMHypocrite? Daniel Cormier reacts to own post-loss footage after Gable Steveson criticism
MMA•Sep 23, 2026, 5:00 AMWhen should fighters stop fighting?
UFC•Sep 23, 2026, 4:49 AMCaio Borralho explains why he accepted risky UFC 334 matchup
