Cain Velasquez Predicts Islam Makhachev Will Beat Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330
Cain Velasquez is fully convinced Islam Makhachev remains one of the most complete fighters in the sport as the welterweight champion prepares for his first title defense.
The former UFC heavyweight champion offered high praise for his longtime American Kickboxing Academy teammate in a recent interview with Red Corner MMA, predicting Makhachev will keep rolling at UFC 330.
Makhachev, the current UFC welterweight titleholder with a 28-1 record, is scheduled to face No. 1 contender Ian Machado Garry on August 15 in Philadelphia. The bout marks the Dagestani star’s first defense after capturing the 170-pound belt with a dominant decision win over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in November 2025. He previously ruled the lightweight division for years before moving up.
Velasquez, who was released on parole earlier this year and has stayed connected to the AKA group, described Makhachev in glowing terms. “He’s a special type of athlete, as we all know,” Velasquez said. “He’s one of those guys that are at the pinnacle of this sport here.”
The two-time heavyweight champion pointed to the steady guidance Makhachev continues to receive from head coach Javier Mendez. “I talk with Javier all the time and Islam and those guys are always doing great, so they’re in great hands,” Velasquez explained. “Javier is the one who builds champions. He’s a master at what he does.”
Velasquez emphasized that the champion’s training environment leaves little to chance. He noted Mendez remains closely involved with Makhachev and the rest of the team, ensuring they receive precisely what is required for both preparation and competition.
Looking ahead to the upcoming title fight, Velasquez sees no signs of a slowdown. “I see him, I see Islam just continuously doing what he’s doing, and that’s winning impressively,” he said. “He’s somebody who’s mastered all aspects of MMA.”
The endorsement carries weight coming from a former champion who shared the same gym and training culture that produced Khabib Nurmagomedov and helped shape Makhachev’s rise. Velasquez’s comments arrive as Makhachev sits near the top of the pound-for-pound rankings and continues an extended run of victories that has defined his UFC career.
Garry enters the matchup as a highly ranked contender with only one career loss, bringing length, striking range, and recent momentum into the Philadelphia main event. Makhachev’s ability to blend elite wrestling, pressure, and improved striking has made him a difficult puzzle for previous opponents across two divisions.
Velasquez’s confidence reflects the consistency Makhachev has shown since claiming the welterweight title. With the August 15 card now less than a month away, the champion’s camp at AKA remains focused on the same detailed preparation that has carried him this far.
Whether Makhachev can extend his streak and add another successful defense will be answered inside the Xfinity Mobile Arena. For now, one of the most respected voices from his own training circle believes the outcome will look familiar.
