Usman Nurmagomedov mimicking Ian Garry to sharpen Makhachev ahead of UFC 330

Islam Makhachev’s head coach Javier Mendez has identified unbeaten PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov as the ideal training-camp weapon ahead of Makhachev’s first welterweight title defence against Ian Garry at UFC 330 on 15 August at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.

Makhachev (28-1) faces Garry (17-1) in what will be his first outing since claiming the 170-pound belt. Garry is widely respected for his precise distance management and sharp long-range striking — qualities that Mendez believes Nurmagomedov can replicate more faithfully than almost any other sparring partner available to the American Kickboxing Academy.

“[Usman] is the best sparring partner you want to have,” Mendez told Submission Radio. “Usman’s at another level. People who have never seen him should tune in to this kid. Because he is special… Usman would be the one individual that can mimic almost anybody. He would be the closest to Ian Garry for us.”

Nurmagomedov (21-0) remains undefeated and is regarded as one of the finest fighters competing outside the UFC. He is set to defend his PFL lightweight title against Archie Colgan (13-0) on 31 July at UBS Arena in Long Island, New York — a bout that will exhaust his current PFL contract and inevitably intensify speculation about his future.

His brother Umar is already established as a top-ranked bantamweight inside the UFC, and the Nurmagomedov name carries obvious weight at AKA, where the family’s connection to the camp runs deep.

For Makhachev, the camp’s ability to source a credible Garry replica could prove significant. The Irishman’s unorthodox movement and range-control have troubled opponents throughout his 17-fight career, and Mendez appears determined to ensure his champion has seen every version of that puzzle before fight night.