Neil Magny is surprised to see Islam Makhachev be such a big favorite at UFC 330.
Makhachev has acknowledged several big upsets that have happened this year ahead of his first welterweight title defense.
With fans no longer convinced that Ian Machado Garry will have a significant size advantage on August 15, this is only going to push them more towards hearing “and still”.
The Irishman’s former opponent, however, believes that people’s expectations could be flipped by the end of the first round.
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2026 has already seen some major UFC upsets, but how high do you rate Ian Machado Garry’s chances of pulling one off? 🇮🇪
‘The Future’ is tasked with ending Islam Makhachev’s 16-fight winning streak at UFC 330.
Neil Magny expects Ian Machado Garry to surprise a lot of people after the first round at UFC 330
Ian Machado Garry has discounted fans not liking him on social media ahead of the biggest fight of his career.
One of the key moments that started to turn people against the Irishman was his fight and win over Neil Magny in 2023.
Despite what has been said between the two men in the past, the veteran welterweight believes that his former opponent will be leaving Philadelphia with the title.
“I think Ian might be able to pull off an upset,” Magny told Mike Bohn. That might be an unpopular opinion but I think he has the skill set to go out there and get it done. His striking is good, his movement is good, he has the range advantage. He also has a good ground game that most people don’t necessarily test in fights so I think he’s going to go out there and actually pull off the upset.”
In a follow-up question, the American was asked whether he’s been surprised by how much the odds are in Islam Makhachev’s favor.
He agreed with this point and suggested that this could be completely undone once fans watch a competitive start to the main event.
“Yeah, it’s definitely lower than I would anticipate,” he said regarding the chances of Machado Garry winning. “I figured it would be closer. Like honestly 50:50 at this point but I think as we get closer to the fight those odds are definitely going to change and come fight night, even after the first round, those odds are going to change drastically.”
- LATEST NEWS: Islam Makhachev shuts down Joe Rogan’s retirement theory, reveals plan to set unbreakable UFC record
Neil Magny is also fighting at UFC 330 on August 15
Since being beaten by Ian Machado Garry in 2023, Neil Magny has stepped inside the Octagon six more times.
During this period, he has only lost to some of the most exciting contenders in the division: Michael Morales, Carlos Prates, and Yaroslav Amosov.
His return at UFC 330 sees him take on a fighter who doesn’t have the same level of hype, Ramiz Brahimaj.
Both men are coming off losses ahead of their meeting on the early prelims.
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