Tom Aspinall Backs Islam Makhachev to Control Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330
Tom Aspinall sees no clear path for anyone in the welterweight division to dethrone Islam Makhachev right now, including title challenger Ian Machado Garry. The UFC heavyweight champion made his prediction days ahead of Makhachev’s first 170-pound title defense at UFC 330.
Makhachev (28-1) claimed the welterweight belt with a dominant decision over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in November 2025 and enters the Aug. 15 main event at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia on a 16-fight winning streak. Garry (17-1), ranked No. 1 at welterweight, earned the shot with consecutive decision victories over Carlos Prates and former champion Belal Muhammad.
Speaking on his platform, Aspinall selected the champion by decision. “Islamakhshoov decision,” he said. He explained his thinking without hesitation: “I just think that he, he’s got more chance of him controlling the fight than Ian landing something.”
Aspinall quickly added nuance. “That being said, I think it’s completely possible that Ian can win. And I’m not 100% confident in my prediction either, but, I can’t think that anybody in the welterweight division is gonna beat Islam at the moment.”
The conversation turned to the championship rounds and whether five-round mileage could factor in. Aspinall dismissed concerns about Garry fading. “Maybe, maybe a little bit, but Ian’s never showed any signs of like fatigue or getting tired late in the late rounds or anything like that, so I wouldn’t be surprised if no, I think he’s, I think Ian’s gonna be fit the whole way through. I don’t think that has any, any issues in my mind anyway.”
Aspinall’s assessment carries weight as the current heavyweight titleholder and a fighter known for sharp, unfiltered analysis of other divisions. Makhachev remains the consensus No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter after moving up from lightweight, where he set multiple defensive records before vacating the belt. Garry has built his case with length, movement, and consistent decision wins, positioning himself as the clearest stylistic test for the champion’s grappling-heavy approach.
The comments arrive as the welterweight picture centers entirely on this matchup. Makhachev has made clear his preference for control and takedowns against a mover like Garry, while the Irish contender has publicly embraced the opportunity to end the champion’s historic run.
UFC 330 will mark Makhachev’s first defense at 170 pounds and a potential record-breaking 17th consecutive victory if he prevails. Aspinall’s measured endorsement of the favorite, paired with an open acknowledgment that an upset remains possible, underscores the high stakes surrounding the Philadelphia card.