Makhachev focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Courtesy of Facebook/UFC
The search for new challenges seems to be one of the main fuels for Islam Makhachev in this new phase of his career . The lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg), the Russian seeks to defend his second belt when he faces Ian Garry for the welterweight title (up to 77,1 kg), at UFC 330 , next Saturday (15), in Philadelphia (USA).
In an interview with the official UFC channel, available this Thursday (13), Makhachev highlighted that the level of the division's opponents has been one of the factors that most increases his motivation in training. In addition to Garry, the fighter cited three other names that, according to him, make him work even harder.
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“What excites me the most are my opponents. If you look at the rankings, you’ll see that I have very good opponents that I need to beat. Guys like Prates, Morales, Shavkat, and all of them make me train harder,” said Islam Makhachev.
According to the champion, Carlos Prates , Michael Morales , and Shavkat Rakhmonov are among the top contenders for the welterweight title and possess characteristics that make the division especially dangerous. Makhachev also stated that he realized the strength of the division as soon as he decided to move up in weight.
“Because they are true title contenders, they deserve a fight and they are complete fighters. When I moved up to the welterweight division, I realized that this is the most dangerous division right now,” the Russian added.
Now, however, if the two-time champion defeats Garry and defends the welterweight title, the Russian will reach 17 consecutive victories, surpassing Anderson Silva and expanding his legacy in the organization.
Russia vs. Ireland reignites historic rivalry in the UFC.
Khabib Nurmagomedov (left) faces Conor McGregor (right). Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC.
UFC 330 will feature a main event: the welterweight title fight between Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry . Beyond the title bout, the fight also revives a rivalry that marked one of the most emblematic periods in the organization's recent history: Russia versus Ireland.
A disciple of Khabib Nurmagomedov and the leading representative of the Dagestani fighting school today, Makhachev carries on the legacy left by the former undefeated lightweight champion. On the other side, Garry emerges as the main Irish star of the new generation and seeks to repeat the prominence that Conor McGregor brought to the country during his meteoric rise in the event.
Although lacking the personal rivalry that marked the historic confrontation between Khabib and McGregor, the duel puts Russia and Ireland back in the spotlight of the UFC. This time, in addition to national pride, the welterweight title and a prominent position at the highest level of the sport will be at stake.
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