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UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev is using Ilia Topuria and Khamzat Chimaev’s shocking losses as fuel for UFC 330.

Islam Makhachev will defend the UFC welterweight throne and his spot atop the pound-for-pound rankings against Ian Machado Garry later this month at UFC 330. Makhachev returns to the Octagon after becoming the latest UFC two-division champion by defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322.

Garry presents a unique challenge for Makhachev at UFC 330. The talented striker possesses some of the best takedown defense in the promotion, and Makhachev may have to utilize non-wrestling avenues to get the victory.

Makhachev’s return comes after what’s been a year of upsets in the UFC Octagon. Ilia Topuria and Khamzat Chimaev both lost their UFC titles and undefeated records in stunning upsets.

While Topuria and Chimaev’s missteps could be viewed as a sign of caution to Makhachev, the UFC welterweight champion uses them as fuel.

Islam Makhachev explains what he learned from Ilia Topuria and Khamzat Chimaev’s losses

In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Makhachev was asked about what he took from watching Topuria and Chimaev’s shocking missteps ahead of UFC 330.

“Yeah, sure. We talk inside the team also about the guys who lost because maybe some of them lose their focus,” Makhachev said.

“Maybe some of them, you know, not staying training hard but everybody knows in our gym, it’s not working like that. We’re always training so hard. More than everybody and we stay, no matter champions or not champions.

“Inside the gym, we’re all the same and all our coaches are pushing us really hard.” (h/t Bloody Elbow)

Makhachev hasn’t lost since a knockout defeat to Adriano Martins at UFC 192. He’ll look to keep his 16-fight winning streak intact in Philadelphia at UFC 330.

What is your prediction for Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry? Let us know your predictions in the comments!

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