He’s not just facing the world’s best fighter; he’s also facing the possibility of becoming a historical footnote of the wrong kind, as Makhachev attempts to break Anderson Silva’s record for consecutive victories at 17.

Machado Garry’s journey to the top has been a winding one, taking him from gym to gym, and eventually settling in at the Chute Boxe Academy in Curitiba, Brazil, under the tutelage of former two-time UFC title challenger Demian Maia. His ground skills have seen significant improvement, particularly after a key victory over Belal Muhammad last November, where he successfully stuffed every takedown attempt by the former 170-pound champion.

However, when asked about his takedown defense, Machado Garry took offense to the question, suggesting that the wording was biased towards Makhachev. He emphasized that every fight starts on the feet and that Makhachev needs to grab hold of him before he can be taken down.

Makhachev, on the other hand, remains unconvinced that Machado Garry’s improvements will matter in this matchup, stating that he proved against Jack Della Maddalena that if he enters a fight without injuries or difficult weight cuts, there isn’t anyone who can stop him from making a fight look easy for 25 minutes on the ground.

Ultimately, the key to Machado Garry’s success lies in his ability to block out the opinions of others and focus on his own path. Despite being a lightning rod for controversy, he remains committed to his training and his vision for the future.

Machado Garry’s confidence is not just about his fighting abilities; it’s also about his unwavering commitment to himself and his values. He believes that he can’t be broken inside the Octagon, and that his journey is the true treasure.