Overview
- Islam Makhachev told reporters this week that he plans to chase Ian Machado Garry around the Octagon, close distance and force takedowns rather than trade long-range strikes.
- Garry has been preparing with Charles Oliveira in Brazil, but Makhachev publicly downplayed that help and reminded fans he submitted Oliveira in 2022.
- Makhachev relocated his camp to New Jersey, training with key teammates including Khabib Nurmagomedov and coach Javier Mendez as he fine-tunes pressure and grappling entries.
- Betting markets have moved heavily toward Makhachev, with odds roughly in the −300s range, and the UFC has asked Michael Morales to make weight as the official backup for the main event.
- Recent withdrawals from the UFC 330 undercard have increased the main event’s prominence and left the winner with clear next-match options in the welterweight title picture.