Mendez Names Garry's Biggest Weapon Against Makhachev

American Kickboxing Academy founder Javier Mendez thinks Ian Garry's mental game will be his most dangerous weapon when he challenges Islam Makhachev for the UFC welterweight title at UFC 330.

Garry faces Makhachev in the main event Aug. 15 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, where most observers expect the lightweight champion's elite grappling to overwhelm the welterweight contender. Mendez, who has coached former champions including Khabib Nurmagomedov and Daniel Cormier, sees Garry's confidence as a legitimate threat that could swing the matchup.

Mental Strength vs. Makhachev's Grappling at UFC 330

"Ian's Garry's mental game is huge," Mendez told NewBettingSites, per Sherdog. "That's what my book is about. It is all about mental strength and how you can do anything with mental strength if done right. Proper planning and execution with the right formula."

Mendez warned against overconfidence, pointing to Ilia Topuria's recent loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 as a cautionary tale. Topuria had predicted a dominant victory before suffering a broken orbital bone in the upset defeat.

Mendez predicted the Makhachev-Garry fight will go the full five rounds with his fighter winning all five. He acknowledged Makhachev could finish the fight earlier but said he prefers realistic expectations over bold predictions that might backfire.

UFC 330 takes place Aug. 15 in Philadelphia with the Makhachev-Garry welterweight title fight headlining the card.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Coach Javier Mendez names Ian Garry’s biggest weapon against Islam Makhachev