Dustin Poirier: Ian Machado Garry Must Land Big Shots to Beat Islam Makhachev

Dustin Poirier believes Ian Machado Garry has to use his footwork effectively at UFC 330 to beat welterweight champion Islam Makhachev. Machado Garry (17-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) challenges Makhachev (28-1 MMA, 17-1 UFC) in the Aug. 15 main event at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia (Paramount+).

What happened?

Dustin Poirier, who was submitted late by Makhachev in their title fight at UFC 302, thinks Machado Garry has to be more aggressive to win. "He can use the footwork to keep the distance, but he has to win the rounds," Poirier said of Machado Garry. "You have to land some kind of shot. You have to do some kind of damage. You can't just run the whole time throwing a jab and expect to win the round against a guy who's pushing you against the fence."

Why it matters for Dustin Poirier

Poirier's experience fighting Makhachev gives him insight into the champion's grappling skills. "I need to go back and see Ian Garry fight some wrestlers, his takedown defense, his wall work, his get ups," Poirier said on "Deep Waters." "I need to see a little bit more, just refresh my memory on his grappling because obviously Islam is going to drown him, I think, but I need to see how good he is in those positions."

What comes next?

Machado Garry has both the height and reach advantage over Makhachev. However, Poirier doesn't think it'll be enough to dethrone the champion. "He has to finish him," Poirier said. "That's the only way Ian wins this fight is landing a shot standing up, hurting him."

Key Takeaways:

• Ian Machado Garry challenges Islam Makhachev for the welterweight title at UFC 330.
• Dustin Poirier believes Machado Garry needs to use his footwork effectively to beat Makhachev.
• Machado Garry has to land significant shots to dethrone the champion.

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