Garry Accuses Makhachev Of Wearing Heels At UFC 330

Ian Garry accused Islam Makhachev of wearing elevated shoes at the UFC 330 face-off to narrow their height difference ahead of Saturday's welterweight title fight.

Garry, listed at 6'3", holds a significant size advantage over the 5'10" champion. But when the two met in Philadelphia earlier this week, the challenger said Makhachev appeared closer in stature than the measurements suggest. "He was wearing high heels, he was wearing stilettos," Garry said during media day, per MMA Mania. "Wait until you see Friday night, when we are both wearing the same shoes because we are obligated to wear the same shoes."

Makhachev Denies Footwear Claims

Makhachev rejected the allegation, telling reporters his footwear was standard. "No, it's regular shoes, nothing special," he said. The champion added that his official height may need updating, claiming he has grown since his UFC debut over a decade ago. "That number I have right now, it's because the UFC checked when I had my debut 10 or 11 years ago," Makhachev said. "The UFC have to check again. I've become big right now. I'm a welterweight, no more lightweight."

Garry also carries a four-inch reach advantage into the bout, listed at 74" compared to Makhachev's 70". The two will settle the dispute when they meet at the ceremonial weigh-in on Friday, where both fighters will wear UFC-issued footwear.

UFC 330 takes place Saturday in Philadelphia.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Ian Garry accuses Islam of wearing ‘high heels’ to boost height during UFC 330 face off, Makhachev responds