Islam Makhachev is gearing up for his first welterweight title defense against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330, and his longtime coach Javier Mendez isn’t holding back on what this fight means. Mendez, who’s been with Makhachev at AKA, firmly believes his guy has the game plan locked down to beat Machado Garry, but it’s the bigger picture he’s talking about now.
The Secret Weapon in the Training Camp
Makhachev is already a beast, known for that insane grappling, but Mendez confirms he can stand and strike too, making him a truly well-rounded fighter. The problem? Finding a training partner who can perfectly mimic Machado Garry’s unique style is tough. But Mendez isn’t worried, because they’ve got a secret weapon in the gym: Usman Nurmagomedov. Usman, the current PFL lightweight champion, is also deep in his own training camp for PFL New York. This means they are both pushing each other to the max.
Mendez couldn’t emphasize Usman’s impact enough. He told Heavy Sports, “We don’t have somebody [like Machado Garry] at our disposal that is that good. But, we do have who I happen to believe is the No.1 lightweight in the world, Usman, as a main sparring partner.” It’s not about matching height, because they’re different fighters. Mendez explained that the critical factor Usman brings is elite timing. “Having [Nurmagomedov] as the main sparring partner was fantastic… the timing, that’s very important and the timing is crucial. That’s what Usman brings to the table.” You can have a taller guy, Mendez noted, but they won’t have the timing or experience Usman brings to the mat. That kind of insight into the preparation just hits different, you know?
The GOAT Conversation Is Heating Up
Makhachev has already made history, setting the record for the most successful consecutive UFC lightweight title defenses. That alone puts him in legendary territory. But this welterweight defense? Mendez says it takes things to a whole new level for Makhachev’s resume and strengthens his case for being the greatest of all time.
Mendez, naturally biased towards “his guy,” believes if Makhachev gets this win, especially “in spectacular fashion,” he should be considered the greatest. And he thinks the public will start to agree. Mendez even laid out the next steps for undisputed GOAT status: “I think if we do it one more time, let’s say against a [Carlos] Prates or Michael [Morales], then we do that to them, then there’s no denying who the greatest of all time is.” He’s looking past Ian, but not forgetting him.
This fight at UFC 330 against Ian Machado Garry is huge. It’s not just another title defense; it’s a stepping stone to immortality. Mendez is clear: focus on Ian first. But after that? The conversation around Islam Makhachev’s place among the sport’s absolute legends is about to explode. You gotta tune in, because this guy is building a legacy, one fight at a time.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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