UFC 330: Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Garry Tale of the Tape, Predictions, & Betting Odds

After four straight weeks of subpar Fight Nights, the UFC returns to the PPV realm with UFC 330 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philly this Saturday. It’s jam-packed with high-profile matchups, including two championship bouts to cap off the main card, which starts a little earlier than usual at 9 p.m.

In the main event, two guys we haven’t seen in the octagon since November clash with the welterweight championship belt on the line: champ Islam Makhachev looks to make his first title defense against No. 2 contender Ian “Machado” Garry, who has won his last two in a row.

Read on for our full betting guide for Makhachev vs. Garry, including the tale of the tape, the latest UFC betting odds, and our analysis and picks for the headlining scrap between these two one-loss professionals.

UFC 330: Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Garry Welterweight Championship Main Event Bout - Tale of the Tape, Picks, & Odds - August 15 - 9 P.M. EDT

All odds provided by Powerplay.

Tale of the Tape:

Fight Analysis & Prediction

( C ) Islam Makhachev vs. No. 2 Ian Garry Championship Welterweight Main Event Betting Odds

On paper, it would seem like Ian Garry (17-1) has a lot of advantages over the champ, Islam Makhachev (28-1). Garry is six years younger than his opponent, he’s five inches taller, and he’s got a four-inch reach advantage. That would seem to be a recipe for success. But Garry’s only got +275 odds to win this scrap. That’s a big underdog.

And while we think the odds are slightly too much to the Dagestani’s side, we do think the champ should be a significant favourite. Garry has looked great in his last three fights, a very competitive loss to buzzsaw Shavkat Rakhmonov and decision wins over previously undefeated Carlos Prates and former champ Belal Muhammad.

But those guys are great. Makhachev might be the best we’ve ever seen. He’s won belts in two divisions, and he’s won 16 straight fights. If he wins on Saturday, he sets a new UFC record. Just let that sink in: he’s on par with legends like Jon Jones, Anderson Silva, and Mighty Mouse.

He may be 34, but that’s not quite old in the UFC. He looks like he’s still in his physical prime, and his sambo is as suffocating as ever. He’s beaten long opponents like Garry before, such as when he submitted Charles Oliveira (who also has a 74-inch wingspan) to claim his first belt.

Makhachev has also stood and traded with elite strikers like Dustin Poirier. He fears nothing, and he’s good at everything. Five rounds is a long time for Garry to try to stay out of the grasp of Makhachev, who loves himself a takedown.

Unfortunately, Makhachev’s moneyline is not bettable. So we look elsewhere. Garry has never been finished and has seen his last six scraps end by decision. He’s going to win a round or two, but ultimately, Garry is going to be overwhelmed by the Russian. Though it’ll take the full 25 to confirm the champ’s title defence.

Best Bet: Islam Makhachev to Win via Decision (+125)