14 July 2026SideLine · sports news, rewritten
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PFL Champion Aids Islam Makhachev's Training by Emulating Ian Garry

By SideLine Desk ·
PFL Champion Aids Islam Makhachev's Training by Emulating Ian Garry
Illustration: SideLine

Javier Mendez, head coach to UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, has disclosed that a PFL fighter is actively assisting in Makhachev's training camp. This PFL competitor is reportedly honing his skills to specifically replicate the fighting style of upcoming UFC opponent, Ian Garry.

🎯 SideLine Prediction

With this specialized training, Makhachev is likely to be exceptionally well-prepared for Garry's unique style, giving him a significant advantage.

The strategic preparation for Islam Makhachev's next outing is taking an interesting turn, according to his longtime coach, Javier Mendez. Mendez revealed that a champion from the Professional Fighters League (PFL) has been brought into Makhachev's camp to serve as a sparring partner.

The unique aspect of this training arrangement is the PFL champion's specific role: to meticulously mimic the fighting techniques and tendencies of Makhachev's next opponent, welterweight contender Ian Garry. This approach aims to provide Makhachev with invaluable, real-time experience against a fighter who mirrors Garry's attributes.

Mendez expressed confidence in the PFL fighter's ability to accurately embody Garry's style, highlighting the effectiveness of such targeted preparation. This method underscores the meticulous planning involved in high-level MMA, where even the nuances of an opponent's movements can be critical for success.

💬 SideLine Take

Bringing in a PFL champion to mimic an opponent is a shrewd, high-level strategy that speaks volumes about the seriousness of Makhachev's preparation.

AI-assisted rewrite. This story was written by the SideLine Desk from the reporting below and reviewed by our editors — read the original for the full story. How we work.
Source: Yahoo Sports

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