Zuffa LLC

Islam Makhachev believes he will teach Ian Machado Garry how to be humble once UFC 330 is in the books.

Makhahcev is looking for his first successful welterweight title defense when he collides with Garry on Saturday. As fight night approaches, the athletes competing on this weekend's card in Philadelphia have been fulfilling media obligations. When Makhachev spoke to reporters during his scrum, he was asked what he thinks about his upcoming title challenger as a person.

The reigning 170-pound champion believes Garry's bravado will come back to haunt him when the lights are shining brighter than ever.

“I think he's good person, good guy, but he acts like he's bad boy or something like this,†Makhachev said. “I tell in the interview also, we will make him humble.â€

Garry has said that not only does he envision a knockout win at UFC 330, but he also plans to make it an emphatic finish and not a lucky shot. UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier believes that “The Future†is making a mistake with that mindset, while others feel Garry is simply hyping up the fight.

There has been much speculation over Makhachev's future once Saturday's event has wrapped up. Longtime UFC color commentator Joe Rogan recently admitted that he wouldn't be shocked if Makhachev retires should he earn the victory over Garry.

Regardless of Makhachev's plans, Garry hopes to prove that the next generation of welterweights has arrived with him leading the charge. The Irishman told media members that Carlos Prates is the most deserving contender after UFC 330, and he claims he'd give “The Nightmare†a title shot if he is successful against Makhachev.

Will it be business as usual for Islam Makahchev at UFC 330, or will Ian Machado Garry give him problems on Saturday? Sound off in the comments below.

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM

Zuffa LLC

Joe Rogan wouldn't be surprised if Islam Makhachev walks away from pro MMA competition on Saturday.

Makhachev will be making his first defense of the welterweight title in the UFC 330 main event. The champion's legacy has already been cemented having won titles in two different weight classes and only suffering one loss, which took place all the way back in 2015. While the likes of Conor McGregor believe Makhachev has plenty of fight left, other aren't so sure that the pound-for-pound great will stick around.

Speaking to Aljamain Sterling during an episode of the “JRE MMA Show,†Rogan said he wouldn't doubt the welterweight title being vacated following UFC 330 if Makhachev scores another win.

“Islam may retire,†Rogan said. “He may retire. He's done a lot. He's competed in two different weight classes and won world championships in two different weight classes. If he beats Ian, if he submits Ian and says, ‘I've had enough. I'm gonna do what Khabib [Nurmagomedov] did, and I'm gonna coach now,' I could see that. And then, I could see [Michael] Morales and [Carlos] Prates for the [expletive] undisputed title.â€

If that is indeed Makhachev's plan, then Garry will want to play spoiler. The title contender has vowed to knock the 170-pound champion out in decisive fashion rather than a flash. Garry's frenemy Carlos Prates has predicted that “The Future†will take the UFC welterweight gold from Makhachev via decision.

A retirement for Makhachev would open the door for some rising welterweights. Rogan mentioned the possibility of Michael Morales and Prates fighting for the vacant welterweight title. Both men have been praised for their finishing abilities and exciting fighting styles, but whether or not Makhachev will stick around remains to be seen.

Do you agree with Joe Rogan, or would you be surprised if Islam Makhachev calls it a career once UFC 330 concludes? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM

Zuffa LLC

Ian Machado Garry and Carlos Prates may have been chummy following their April 2025 clash, but “The Future†is all business inside the Octagon.

Garry has been telling reporters that Prates is the most deserving contender in the welterweight division. The Irish contender's thoughts might be pivotal depending on the outcome of the UFC 330 main event. Garry is set to challenge Islam Makhachev for the UFC Welterweight Championship on Saturday in Philadelphia.

During a media day scrum (video via Home of Fight), “The Future†said he plans on capturing UFC gold and putting his title at stake against Prates, but he warned the Brazilian bruiser that he's in for a rude awakening.

“Carlos Prates has earned it,†Garry said. “Nobody else in the entire division has earned it. They all need to fight at least one more fight. Prates is coming off two fights against two guys that have never been finished and he did it in insane fashion, and I whooped his ass for 24 minutes, and I did it on three weeks' notice. So, if he wants to give me three, four months, he's knows what's gonna happen. He'll be able to sleep well after the next one.â€

After falling short in a competitive fight against Shavkat Rakhmonov back in 2024, Garry took on Prates in Kansas City the following year. Garry was in control throughout the fight before “The Nightmare†made a late rally attempt prior to the final horn. “The Future†won the bout via unanimous decision.

Since that fight, Prates has gone on a three-fight winning streak. He knocked out Geoff Neal with one second left in the opening round at UFC 319. Prates followed that up with a brutal second-round knockout finish over former UFC welterweight titleholder Leon Edwards. He then cemented himself as a top contender with his third-round TKO victory over another former champion in Jack Della Maddalena.

If Ian Machado Garry and Carlos Prates fight again, who would you give the edge to? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM