Before the title fight between Russia’s Islam Makhachev and Ireland’s Ian Machado Gary in UFC 330, know who is superior to whom on the basis of height, reach, wrestling, experience and records.
Islam Makhachev Wrestling: Before UFC 330, the fight between Islam Makhachev and Ian Machado Gary remains in the news. The two fighters will face off for the UFC welterweight title on August 15 in Philadelphia. Before this fight, most of the discussion is about the physical difference between the two. Many fans believe that Gary’s height and reach can give him an edge in this match. However, Islam Makhachev, on the other hand, is known for his excellent wrestling game, excellent strategies and experience in big matches. So the question is, will Gary’s physical advantage outweigh Makhachev’s experience and skill?
Islam Makhachev Height: How tall is Islam Makhachev
Islam Ramazanovich Makhachev is a Russian professional mixed martial artist. Makhachev, born October 27, 1991, competes in the welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is the current UFC Welterweight Champion and former UFC Lightweight Champion. Islam Makhachev is 5 feet 10 inches tall, while his opponent Ian Machado Garry is 6 feet 3 inches tall. That means Gary has a height advantage of about five inches. Apart from this, the reach of his hands is also about four inches more than Makhachev. Gary believes that his physical qualities can make a big difference in this match. He believes that with his length, reach and striking skills, he will give Makhachev a challenge that very few fighters have given him before.
Striking Game: How can Gary take advantage of his height?
If Gary is successful in keeping the fight in striking range, his length and reach could prove to be vital. The Irish fighter is known for his sharp jab, excellent footwork and front kicks. Due to his tall stature, he can strike continuously while maintaining a safe distance. This will give them a chance to score points and also avoid exchanging heavy attacks. This strategy could prove to be beneficial for him against a relatively short fighter like Makhachev.
Islam Makhachev Wrestling: Has defeated taller fighters before too
However, Islam Makhachev cannot be underestimated on the basis of height and reach alone. He has already defeated many fighters who had a physical advantage. The biggest example of this is his fight against Dan Hooker. Hooker had greater length and reach than Makhachev, but Makhachev quickly closed the distance and defeated him by submission in the first round. This fight proved that physical size alone does not decide the outcome of a fight.
Makhachev’s wrestling and grappling are his biggest weapons.
Islam Makhachev’s biggest strength is his world-class wrestling and grappling. He has the ability to deliver continuous takedowns, which largely negates his opponent’s striking advantage. One advantage of their short height is that their center of gravity remains low. This makes takedowns easier and allows better control over the opponent during the clinch. If Makhachev is able to close the distance in this fight as well, then the effect of Gary’s length and reach could be greatly reduced.
Islam Makhachev vs Ian Garry Record: On whose side is experience?
Even in terms of professional records, Islam Makhachev appears ahead. Makhachev has fought 29 professional matches so far, in which he has won 28 and lost only once. Whereas Ian Machado Gary has fought 18 professional fights. In these, he has won 17 matches, while he has lost one. That means, in terms of experience, Makhachev has fought 11 more professional fights than Gary. Apart from this, he also has experience of many championship matches in his name.
Gary has lead in stoppage win statistics
If we talk about his ability to finish a fight, the statistics seem to be in Gary’s favor. About 41 percent of his wins have come by stoppage, while in Makhachev’s case the figure is around 18 percent. This makes it clear that when given the right opportunity, Gary has the ability to end the match before time.
UFC 330 Title Fight: What form are both the fighters in?
Ian Machado Gary gets his first UFC title shot after a stellar performance. He defeated strong opponents such as Carlos Prates and former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad to establish himself among the top fighters in the division. At the same time, for Islam Makhachev this match is an opportunity to further strengthen his legacy. After moving from lightweight to welterweight division, he won the welterweight belt by defeating Jack Della Maddalena. Now they will defend this title for the first time.
UFC 330 Prediction: Will length or wrestling be the decider?
If Ian Machado is able to fight Garry contests from a standing position throughout, his length and reach could certainly work to his advantage. But if Islam Makhachev quickly closes the distance and utilizes his wrestling and grappling, Gary’s physical advantage could be largely neutralized. This is the reason why this title fight of UFC 330 is being considered a big test not only of length and reach, but also of technique, strategy and experience.