Coach Javier Mendez names Ian Garry’s biggest weapon against Islam Makhachev

Coach Javier Mendez said Ian Garry's mental strength and confidence will be his biggest weapon as he prepares to challenge Islam Makhachev for the UFC welterweight title. Garry is slated to face Makhachev in the UFC 330 main event on Aug. 15 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. While Makhachev's elite grappling is widely regarded as the matchup's X-factor, Mendez emphasized mindset as a legitimate threat. The American Kickboxing Academy founder, who has coached Khabib Nurmagomedov, Luke Rockhold, Cain Velasquez and Daniel Cormier, discussed confidence versus overconfidence in an interview with NewBettingSites. He referenced Ilia Topuria's loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 and said he expects five rounds while stressing realistic expectations.