Islam Makhachev is one fight away from a UFC record — a 17th win in a row. He puts the welterweight title on the line against Ian Garry, a challenger who sees the night as the one that will define him. "Beating him proves that I'm special," Garry said. The champion is not convinced. "Ian is a good fighter, but there is nothing special about him," Makhachev replied. Khabib Nurmagomedov, who coaches and mentors the champion, points to two numbers instead: the six-year age gap and the Irishman's 193cm frame. Craig Jones, one of the most respected grapplers in the sport, looks elsewhere — at Garry's butterfly-hook defensive system on the mat. Makhachev has even brought in Khabib's cousin, Usman Nurmagomedov, to copy the challenger's style in camp. There is no way around this one now.
The bookmakers side with the champion at -350, while Garry is priced at +275. Conor McGregor is backing his fellow Irishman to finish it by knockout, with a kick. Brazil's analysts lean towards Makhachev, although Pablo Sucupira believes Garry's physical advantages will settle the argument. Philadelphia, the Xfinity Mobile Arena, 15 August — the octagon writes another page of history.
