Conor McGregor has backed fellow Irishman Ian Machado Garry to pull off an upset against Islam Makhachev in the UFC 330 welterweight title fight. Despite Makhachev entering the bout as the clear betting favorite, McGregor believes Garry has the tools to cause problems for the champion. Makhachev had previously shown support for McGregor after his brief and difficult return at UFC 329, but that did not stop the former two-division champion from picking against him.
McGregor is currently recovering from a knee injury suffered during his first-round loss to Max Holloway at UFC 329, leaving his own fighting future uncertain. While fans await news on his potential return, McGregor has remained active on social media, offering predictions on major UFC fights. Ahead of UFC 330, he shared his unusual take on the Makhachev-Garry matchup and backed the Irish contender to produce a late head-kick knockout.
Conor McGregor Picks Ian Machado Garry Over Islam Makhachev in UFC 330 Title Fight
Conor McGregor has backed fellow Irishman Ian Machado Garry to leave UFC 330 as the new welterweight champion. Garry will challenge Islam Makhachev for the 170-pound title in Saturday’s main event as a significant underdog, with much of the attention surrounding Makhachev’s future rather than Garry’s chances. McGregor, however, believes his compatriot has what it takes to deliver the upset.
In an Instagram post, McGregor explained why he is picking Garry, pointing to the fighter’s length, recent work at SBG and ability to stay out of danger. “What’s up, folks! The Mac here to give you my prediction for the Makhachev-Garry fight,” McGregor said. “Let’s go Garry, you know it! He has the tools. He’s been doing great work at SBG. He’s long. He’s definitely going to stay safe; he’s definitely going to be in there. Makhachev has pockets where he does a lot of stalling. He still has things to prove in that welterweight division. He does look like he’s grown up into it a bit more. It’s a cracking contest. Of course I’m going with Ian Garry, and I really believe he can do it. For sure he can do it.”
McGregor’s long-running history with Makhachev’s team, including his infamous rivalry with Khabib Nurmagomedov, adds another layer to the prediction. Still, the former two-division champion is confident Garry can win and even believes the Irish-Brazilian could finish the fight with a head kick late in the contest. “How do I see it? Right high kick across the crown of the head, and a victory for the Irish-Brazilian,” McGregor said. “Let’s go, Ian! Rooting for you, bro. Great scrap. What round? Late round. This goes late, folks. This goes late, this fight. Great fight, very much looking forward to it.”
Jack Della Maddalena Predicts Ian Machado Garry to Beat Islam Makhachev
Former UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena is backing Ian Machado Garry to defeat Islam Makhachev by decision in their UFC 330 title clash. Della Maddalena believes Garry’s height and reach will allow him to control the distance, while his movement and striking could keep Makhachev from imposing his grappling game.
Explaining his prediction, Della Maddalena said: “I believe Ian Garry’s gonna get the win, I think he’s gonna be too long. He’s gonna be able keep the distance, keep the fight in the range that he’s gonna have the advantage. I think he’ll kick the legs, jab, stay away from Makhachev and out-point his way to a 5-round decision.”
