AKA Coach Mendez Says Garry's Mental Strength is Key Against Makhachev at UFC 330

AKA's Javier Mendez believes Ian Garry's mental toughness will be his greatest asset challenging Islam Makhachev at UFC 330.

American Kickboxing Academy founder Javier Mendez has identified Ian Garry's mental game as the welterweight contender's most dangerous weapon heading into his UFC title challenge against Islam Makhachev at UFC 330. Mendez, who coaches out of the same gym that has produced elite-level fighters, singled out the psychological side of Garry's game as the factor that could most trouble the reigning champion. Mendez also commented separately on Conor McGregor's appearance and demeanor before his ill-fated return at UFC 329, saying McGregor seemed tense and uncomfortable in the build-up to the fight. McGregor suffered a torn ACL on the opening kick of that contest against Max Holloway, ending the night almost as soon as it began. The two observations come from the same prominent coaching voice, offering a window into how one of MMA's most respected trainers reads fighter psychology at the elite level.

Why it matters

Makhachev is widely considered one of the pound-for-pound best fighters in the UFC, making any analysis of a viable path to beating him noteworthy for fans ahead of UFC 330. Mendez's assessment of McGregor's pre-fight state adds context to one of the sport's highest-profile recent injuries.

What's next

Ian Garry's welterweight title challenge against Islam Makhachev is scheduled for UFC 330.

Key facts

• Javier Mendez is the founder and head coach of American Kickboxing Academy (AKA)
• Mendez identified Ian Garry's mental game as his biggest weapon against Makhachev
• Garry will challenge Islam Makhachev for the UFC welterweight title at UFC 330
• Mendez described Conor McGregor as appearing tense and uncomfortable before UFC 329
• McGregor tore his ACL on the opening kick of his UFC 329 fight against Max Holloway

Bias & framing notes

Both sources are from the same outlet (Yardbarker) and appear to be separate articles drawn from the same interview or media session with Mendez. There is no independent corroboration, and the reporting reflects only Mendez's perspective without counterpoint from Garry's camp, Makhachev's team, or McGregor himself. The framing leans toward amplifying Mendez's opinions as authoritative analysis.

NewsClear — neutral news & congressional tracking · Bill of the Week