Islam Makhachev thinks highly of a fellow welterweight competing at UFC 322.
Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) challenges champion Jack Della Maddalena (18-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC) in Saturday’s main event (pay-per-view, ESPNews/Disney+/FX, ESPN+) at Madison Square Garden in New York. Two fights prior, Sean Brady (18-1 MMA, 8-1 UFC) takes on Michael Morales (18-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) in a pivotal 170-pound clash on the main card.
“I like Sean Brady. I like his style,” Makhachev said on Adin Ross’ live stream. “He’s very tough. If we meet one day, I know it’s going to be a hard fight. We have almost similar styles with wrestling. He has good pressure. If he’s in good shape, he’s going to win (vs. Morales).”
Brady could position himself in title contention with a win over Morales, but Makhachev has his sights set on a former champion if he can claim the belt.
“After Jack, I think Kamaru Usman,” Makhachev said on what’s next. “He has the most title defenses in the welterweight (division), and now he’s in a good position.”
