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- Islam Makhachev’s 5kg muscle gain vs Ian Machado Garry’s vegan diet: Whose fight preparation can deliver UFC 330 victory?
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Islam Makhachev’s 5kg muscle gain vs Ian Machado Garry’s vegan diet: Whose fight preparation can deliver UFC 330 victory?
Global Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Aug 11, 2026, 21:00 IST
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Islam Makhachev (Image Via Getty)
Islam Makhachev and Ian Machado Garry have taken very different approaches to preparing for their UFC 330 welterweight title fight. Makhachev has added around five kilograms of muscle since moving to 170 pounds, while Garry credits his vegan diet with improving his recovery, health and weight management.Makhachev’s coach Javier Mendez says the Russian feels stronger and more comfortable at welterweight and has no plans to return to lightweight. Garry, meanwhile, believes becoming vegan five years ago transformed his preparation. Both fighters have built their camps around physical changes that could prove important when they meet on August 15.
Islam Makhachev gains muscle ahead of UFC 330
Islam Makhachev has made it clear that his move to welterweight is not simply a temporary change. The former UFC lightweight champion has reportedly added five kilograms of muscle since moving up to 170 pounds. His coach Javier Mendez believes the extra size has made Makhachev more comfortable in the division.Mendez explained that Makhachev has gained roughly 11 pounds of muscle since leaving lightweight. He said the champion prefers competing at welterweight because he feels better at the higher weight. Mendez also indicated that he does not expect Makhachev to return to 155 pounds.That physical development could be crucial against Garry. Makhachev is already known for his elite wrestling, grappling and control. More muscle could help him handle the larger opponents he now faces at welterweight.The Russian has already shown that he can carry his skills to the new division. He moved up after successfully defending the lightweight title four times and later defeated Jack Della Maddalena to become the UFC welterweight champion.
Ian Garry moves to vegan diet ahead of UFC 330
Ian Machado Garry has taken a very different route. The Irish fighter says switching to a vegan diet five years ago changed his approach to training. He told BBC Sport that he previously struggled with illness during weight cuts and often felt that his recovery was not where it needed to be.According to Garry, removing animal products from his diet helped him feel healthier and manage his weight more easily.Garry has credited his improved recovery with allowing him to accept challenging fights on short notice. He believes the benefits of his diet would have made such preparation much harder earlier in his career.The contrasting approaches make UFC 330 an intriguing battle. Makhachev has focused on adding size and strength to his already dominant skill set. Garry has focused on recovery, nutrition and maintaining his physical condition.
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There is no guarantee that either approach will decide the fight. Makhachev’s wrestling and experience could be the biggest factors. Garry’s speed, height, movement and striking could create different problems for the champion.Ultimately, the fighter who can turn his preparation into effective Octagon performance will have the advantage. Makhachev’s added muscle could help him physically dominate exchanges, while Garry’s improved recovery could help him maintain his pace over five rounds. At UFC 330, both preparation methods will face their biggest test yet.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
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