Dana White says Ian Machado Garry could be a ‘serious threat’ to Islam Makhachev in one scenario

The UFC president sees the next numbered main event as a classic striker vs grappler contest.

After the promotion debuted in Serbia with Saturday’s UFC Belgrade event, the Octagon is headed back to the United States.

Following a Fight Night at the Meta Apex next weekend, UFC 330 will take place in Philadelphia on August 15, headlined by Islam Makhachev’s title defense against Ian Machado Garry.

The welterweight champion will be a significant favorite when he enters the Octagon, but Dana White thinks his victory likely depends on doing something that Garry is extremely skilled at stopping.

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Dana White talks up Ian Machado Garry’s chances against Islam Makhachev at UFC 330

Makhachev beat Jack Della Maddalena last November to claim the UFC welterweight crown, becoming the eleventh two-division champion in the promotion’s history.

To achieve the feat, the Dagestani utilized a control-heavy grappling approach to stifle the Australian’s striking.

While many are expecting the same story at UFC 330, Makhachev’s coach has teased a no-takedown strategy that would no doubt surprise fans.

Looking ahead to his promotion’s next numbered event headliner, Dana White suggested such a gameplan would put Makhachev’s reign in serious danger.

“I think it’s a great fight, actually,” White said during an interview with The Mac Life.

“If you look at what Ian Garry has been able to do, he frustrates people. His takedown defense has been excellent, and we’ll see if he can stay on his feet.

“Obviously, if he can stay off the ground, he poses a serious threat to Islam,” White added.

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Garry has remained perfect in MMA aside from a close loss to the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov, who was pushed all the way by the Irishman two years ago.

Since then, ‘The Future’ has beaten Carlos Prates and Belal Muhammad to earn his title shot in the UFC.