Oliveira: Garry's game plan makes him dangerous at UFC 330
Charles Oliveira believes Ian Machado Garry's fight IQ and refusal to abandon a game plan make him a real threat to Islam Makhachev at UFC 330. The BMF champion, who has trained with Garry in Brazil, says the Irish challenger can impose his rhythm and stick to strategy against the welterweight titleholder on Aug. 15 in Philadelphia.
Key Takeaways
- Oliveira says Garry's discipline to follow a game plan is what makes him dangerous for Makhachev.
- UFC 330's Aug. 15 main event pits Garry (17-1) against champion Makhachev (28-1) in Philadelphia.
- Khabib Nurmagomedov calls Garry's height and elusive style a tricky puzzle for Makhachev.
- Coach Javier Mendez says Usman Nurmagomedov is mimicking Garry's striking in camp.
Why does Charles Oliveira rate Ian Machado Garry's chances?
Speaking to UFC on Paramount+ through an interpreter, Oliveira argued that Garry "puts that game plan right under his arms and just sticks to it." That consistency, he said, is why he believes in the challenger against a champion who is unbeaten in 16 fights and a big betting favorite.
"He's a guy that just never detours from the plan," Oliveira added, according to reporting on the matchup. He pointed to Garry's recent wins, saying the Irishman has beaten opponents at his own game and imposed his rhythm—traits Oliveira thinks can transfer to the title fight. More fight-week coverage lives in our Future Tech & AI Wonders section.
What else makes Garry a difficult matchup for Makhachev?
Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev's mentor, told the "Smol Talk" podcast that the Dagestani camp has never faced an opponent as tall as Garry—193 cm (6'4"). Closing distance, grabbing him, and securing takedowns will be hard work across five rounds if there is no early finish.
Khabib also flagged age and style: Makhachev is nearing 35 and about six years older than Garry. Combined with Garry's elusive distance striking, he expects a difficult outing and a tough camp—especially finding someone who can imitate the challenger's movement. Garry has racked up 10 UFC wins; his lone pro loss came against Shavkat Rakhmonov, who is sidelined with an injury.
How is Makhachev's team preparing for UFC 330?
American Kickboxing Academy coach Javier Mendez told Submission Radio that undefeated PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov is aiding preparations because he can "mimic almost anybody on the stand-up" and is the closest sparring match for Garry. That detail was also reported by Bloody Elbow.
Oliveira, submitted by Makhachev at UFC 280, dismissed revenge talk when asked if Garry could avenge him. He said Makhachev has all the merit for that win, and he will be happy for Garry if the challenger takes the belt: "It's his story." Per MMA Junkie, Machado Garry is 10-1 in the UFC while Makhachev is 17-1 in the promotion, undefeated in 16 straight Octagon outings including six title fights, and tied with Anderson Silva for consecutive UFC wins. A victory at UFC 330 would set a new record for the Dagestani champion.