Jon Jones chooses favorite for Islam Makhachev's first title defense at UFC 330

Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry will face off for the UFC belt. Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage

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With the confirmation that Islam Makhachev 's first defense as welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg) will take place at UFC 330 against Ian Garry , several MMA names are beginning to form opinions about the possible outcome of the fight. In this context, Jon Jones spoke about the subject in an interview with 'Red Corner MMA' last Wednesday (2) and did not hesitate to declare that he sees the Russian as the favorite to overcome the Irishman.

When asked how he believes the duel will unfold, the former light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) and heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg) champion highlighted the champion's grappling skills as a key factor in the matchup. A black belt in judo, Makhachev was also a two-time world champion in Sambo.

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“I imagine Islam will win this fight because of his wrestling credentials . Being able to dictate whether the fight happens standing or on the ground is a great gift. He’s another guy with a strong team supporting him, he has a lot of faith. I’m not rooting for anyone in this fight because I don’t know either of them personally, but I imagine Islam will win. That’s my prediction,” he stated.

Jon Jones predicts Islam Makhachev will defeat Ian Garry at UFC 330 , citing Islam's wrestling, team, and faith as the biggest advantages. pic.twitter.com/PGwmIYxLUj

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) July 2, 2026

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Islam Makhachev could reach the historic milestone at UFC 330.

Makhachev celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Ranked number one pound-for-pound, Islam Makhachev hasn't lost since October 2015, when he was brutally knocked out by Brazilian Adriano Martins in the first round, his only professional defeat. Since then, the Russian has won 16 consecutive fights, equaling Anderson Silva as the leader in this statistic. With another victory, he would not only defend his welterweight title (up to 77,1 kg) for the first time, but also surpass Silva and become the athlete with the most consecutive wins in the organization's history.

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