Makhachev Bested ADCC Champion 22 Pounds Heavier

Islam Makhachev lost a grappling session against a heavier ADCC champion by the narrowest of margins at the UFC Performance Institute, according to a coach who witnessed the sparring.

Ronny Markes of Porrada Training Center in Las Vegas told Sherdog that the UFC welterweight champion faced a Brazilian grappling world champion who outweighed him by more than 22 pounds under pure grappling rules. Makhachev dropped the session by only two or three points despite the size disadvantage.

Markes Breaks Down Makhachev vs Garry At UFC 330

Markes, who has worked with Johnny Walker, Jessica Andrade, Alexander Volkov, Magomed Ankalaev and Kelvin Gastelum at his gym, outlined what Ian Garry must do when he challenges Makhachev for the welterweight strap at UFC 330 on Aug. 15 in Philadelphia. The Dagestani champion controlled former titleholder Jack Della Maddalena on the mat with ease to claim the belt.

"Islam has the cardio to fight hard for five rounds," Markes said. "He made Jack Della Maddalena, who's bigger than Ian Garry, look like a white belt. If he manages to get the fight to the ground, he'll create serious problems. Ian's best chance is to use his reach and keep the fight at striking distance."

Garry will need to use his length and avoid grappling exchanges to have a chance at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Makhachev defends his welterweight title for the first time after moving up from lightweight.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — A larger ADCC champion couldn’t solve Islam Makhachev’s grappling