UFC Welterweight Champion Islam Makhachev is already gearing up for his first title defense, hitting the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia on August 15, and if you ask his longtime training partner, Cain Velasquez, Ian Machado Garry is about to face a fighter who’s completely leveled up.
Velasquez Calls Makhachev a “Special Type of Athlete”
Velasquez, who’s been with Makhachev at American Kickboxing Academy for years, isn’t just throwing out compliments either. He told Red Corner MMA that Islam is a “special type of athlete,” someone truly at the “pinnacle of this sport.” Think about that for a second. Cain Velasquez, a legend himself, saying this guy has “mastered all aspects of MMA.” That’s not light praise, folks, that’s a declaration. Velasquez also credited trainer Javier Mendez, saying he “builds champions” and is “always with Islam,” ensuring they’re “in great hands” for fighting and training. He sees Makhachev “continuously doing what he’s doing, and that’s winning impressively.”
Dominance and a Shot at UFC History
And honestly, who can argue with him? Makhachev’s record is a jaw-dropping 28-1 in MMA, 17-1 in the UFC. He snagged that welterweight belt at UFC 322 by *dominating* Jack Della Maddalena. That wasn’t a close fight, it was a statement. Now, he’s walking into UFC 330 as a big favorite, looking to not only defend his title against Garry, who’s no slouch at 17-1 MMA himself, but also to absolutely shatter the UFC record for most consecutive victories. Can you imagine the pressure, the drive?
So mark your calendars for August 15. Makhachev steps back into the Octagon, not just defending his welterweight crown, but aiming to carve his name even deeper into the UFC history books. You don’t want to miss this.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Leave a Reply