Makhachev's Fight Week Fishing Trip Draws Rebuke from Mentor Nurmagomedov
Islam Makhachev's decision to go shark fishing during UFC 330 fight week has been met with disbelief by his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Makhachev faces Ian Machado Garry in Philadelphia on Saturday.
What Happened
UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev engaged in shark fishing off the New Jersey coastline during fight week leading up to his UFC 330 main event bout against Ian Machado Garry in Philadelphia. This activity occurred despite the typical focus on weight cuts, strategy, and media obligations during this period.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev's head mentor and former champion, expressed his astonishment and disapproval of the fishing trip. Nurmagomedov voiced concerns about potential hand fatigue or injury from wrestling a shark so close to a high-stakes title fight, emphasizing that such activities should occur after the competition.
Conor McGregor shared his prediction for the fight, expecting Ian Machado Garry to win by a 'head kick KO' in the later rounds. McGregor cited Garry's training at SBG Ireland and noted potential stalling periods in Makhachev's fighting style.
Background
Islam Makhachev, 34, is preparing for the first defense of his welterweight title at UFC 330. He holds a professional record of 28-1 and is currently on a 16-fight winning streak, a run that ties Anderson Silva's longest consecutive win streak in UFC history. A victory would break this record.
Makhachev moved up in weight after a successful lightweight title defense and has expressed a desire to fight more frequently due to his age and limited time remaining in the UFC. He acknowledges he is not a young fighter and may not always have his desired fight schedule. Makhachev's only professional loss was in 2015.
Ian Machado Garry, 28, has a professional record of 17-1 and possesses significant knockout power. He has been training extensively at SBG Ireland.
UFC president Dana White has stated that Makhachev is on track to be considered the greatest fighter in UFC history. Some observers have debated whether Makhachev's achievements have surpassed those of his teammate and coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov, who retired undefeated.
Key Facts
- Islam Makhachev is set to defend his welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in Philadelphia on Saturday.
- Makhachev, 34, went shark fishing off the New Jersey coast during fight week.
- Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev's mentor, disapproved of the fishing activity before the fight.
- Conor McGregor predicted Ian Machado Garry would win via head kick knockout.
- Makhachev is currently on a 16-fight win streak, tied with Anderson Silva, and aims to break the record.
- Makhachev stated he does not have much time left in his UFC career.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
