Cain Velasquez predicts impressive performance from Islam Makhachev at UFC 330: “He’s one of the guys at the pinnacle of this sport”

Cain Velasquez is backing Islam Makhachev to turn in a dominant display against Ian Machado Garry.

Makhachev is scheduled to make his first welterweight title defense in the UFC 330 main event on Aug. 15. Garry will be getting his first opportunity at a UFC championship, and he’s confident in his ability to dethrone the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in MMA today.

Velasquez knows Makhachev quite well given their time together at American Kickboxing Academy. During a chat with Red Corner MMA, the former two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion said he sees Makhachev doing what he’s done throughout his UFC run when he shares the Octagon with Garry.

“Islam is a special type of athlete. He’s one of the guys at the pinnacle of this sport,” Velasquez said. “I see Islam continuing to do what he’s been doing, and that’s winning impressively. He’s somebody who has mastered all aspects of MMA.”

After mowing down the lightweight division with wins over the likes of Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski (twice), and Dustin Poirier, Makhachev made the move to 170 pounds. He relinquished the UFC Lightweight Championship to challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the 170-pound gold. Makhachev controlled Maddalena for five rounds to become a two-division titleholder.

Garry has been building his resume leading up to a world title shot. He’s beaten notable names such as Belal Muhammad and Carlos Prates. “The Future” has just one loss in his pro MMA career thus far, and that was a competitive fight against Shavkat Rakhmonov. Prior to his injury setbacks, Rakhmonov was considered by many to be a clear-cut future UFC champion.

At this time, Makhachev is a sizable betting favorite over Garry at around -390 across multiple sportsbooks. Whether or not Makhachev will be able to achieve the dominance he’s used to against Garry will be determined before the end of the summer.

Are you expecting Islam Makhachev to be dominant against Ian Machado Garry, or could this one be competitive? Feel free to drop a comment below.