Islam Makhachev set for welterweight title defense against Ian Machado Garry

Islam Makhachev will defend his welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry on Saturday at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. Belal Muhammad, who previously fought Garry, discussed Makhachev's strengths and strategies in the lead-up to the fight. Muhammad believes Makhachev’s ground game could be decisive, especially in later rounds. He predicts that if Garry can evade Makhachev’s early takedowns, he may be at risk of being submitted in the fifth round. The bout marks Makhachev’s first title defense in the division after winning the championship.

• 1:20 AMYahoo Sports — Belal Muhammad could see Islam Makhachev submitting Ian Machado Garry late