George St-Pierre highlights Makhachev's strengths and warns of Ian Garry's dangers ahead of UFC 330.

Georges St-Pierre in an interview at UFC. Photo/Reproduction: Twitter

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George St-Pierre is convinced that Islam Makhachev is the overwhelming favorite to defeat Ian Garry at UFC 330 , scheduled for August 15th. The Dagestani fighter faces the Irishman in his first title defense in the welterweight division (up to 77 kg) , in a duel where the 'GOAT' of the category acknowledges the challenger's qualities, but doesn't hide the champion's superiority.

In an interview on Tim Welch's podcast, St-Pierre assessed that the fighting style favors Makhachev, highlighting that the champion has more ways to win the fight when analyzed rationally.

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“I think the style favors Makhachev. I think Makhachev has, perhaps, more ways to win the fight. So, if I'm just thinking rationally, according to the challenges, I think it favors Makhachev,” said George St-Pierre.

Still, the Canadian considered that Garry has the potential to surprise, praising his reach, technical quality, and grappling skills. To have a real chance, however, the Irishman would need to keep the fight standing. Even with this scenario, the former champion reinforced that Makhachev is an extremely difficult opponent.

“But Ian Garry definitely has the opportunity to surprise. He’s a very good fighter, very long, he’s a great grappler too, but I think he needs to find a way to keep the fight standing. But Islam, stylistically, is a nightmare to fight anyone. He’s the biggest nightmare,” concluded the former champion.

Islam Makhachev faces Ian Garry at UFC 330

Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry will face off for the UFC belt. Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage

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Islam Makhachev will defend his welterweight title against Ian Garry at UFC 330 , in a contest that pits grappling dominance against striking volume. Although Garry boasts a significant physical advantage, measuring 1,90m tall and 1,88m in reach compared to the champion's 1,78m in both measurements, the Russian holds a considerable advantage in his professional record with 28-1-0. The Irishman attempts to shock the world with a record of 17 wins and only one loss.

The technical matchup pits Garry's striking volume against Makhachev's relentless Dagestani wrestling [1]3. The challenger lands an average of 4,78 significant strikes per minute compared to the champion's 2,45, but will need to test his 80% takedown defense. This is because Makhachev executes around 3,10 takedowns every 15 minutes with 56% accuracy, overwhelmingly controlling the action on the ground.

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