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MMA veteran Demian Maia believes that Ian Machado Garry has the tools necessary to defeat Islam Makhachev at UFC 330.

In the main event of UFC 330 this weekend, Ian Machado Garry will attempt to knock off arguably one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time when he challenges Islam Makhachev for the UFC welterweight championship.

RELATED: Ian Machado Garry explains why he’s putting Islam Makhachev on a ‘pedestal’ ahead of UFC 330

While Machado Garry is an exceptional talent in his own right, getting through someone like Makhachev will require a near-perfect performance. Some of Islam’s big rivals have come close, but they haven’t quite been able to get over the line.

Demian Maia, who has been working closely with Machado Garry in recent times, had the following to say about his push for greatness.

Maia backs Machado Garry for glory

“Islam presents problems to everyone,” Maia said on UFC Countdown. “He has good striking, but mainly, Islam’s strength is his grappling game: great takedowns, great variations on the ground, different kinds of submissions. Makhachev will take advantage of any mistake that you do with your elbow, with your leg, with your hips in the wrong direction – he will get you.

“So everything that I do is to make sure he doesn’t make these mistakes. But Ian is a very smart fighter. He understands that the most obvious advantage is his striking and control of distance. That’s why he has the tools to be the champion.”

Quotes via MMA Junkie

It will take everything he’s got, but there’s no denying that the Irishman has a great team behind him as he attempts to make history in Philadelphia against one of the very best.

Who do you believe will leave UFC 330 with the welterweight championship around their waist? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!

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