Islam Makhachev and Machado Harry (image via Getty) The physical fight between Islam Makhachev and Ian Machado Harry has become one of the most talked about topics leading up to UFC 330. Harry will challenge Makhachev for the UFC welterweight title on August 15 in Philadelphia. Many fans believe the Irish fighter’s height and reach could give him an advantage.Harry is 6’3″ while Makhachev is 5’10”. This gives Harry a five-inch height advantage and a nearly four-inch reach advantage. However, Makhachev built his career by defeating difficult opponents through elite wrestling, smart tactics and championship experience.
Could Ian Harry’s height bother Islam Makhachev at UFC 330?
Ian Machado Harry is confident that his physical advantages can play a decisive role in the fight with Islam Makhachev. The Irish welterweight believes his height, reach and striking skills will allow him to test the champion in a way few opponents have before.At 6ft 3in, Harry has a five-inch height advantage over the 5ft 10in Makhachev. He also has a reach advantage of nearly four inches. These numbers could become important if Harry manages to keep the fight within striking distance.Harry is known for using a sharp jab, fast footwork and forward kicks to control the distance. His long body allows him to strike opponents from the outside while remaining out of harm’s way. Against a shorter fighter like Makhachev, this style could help him score points and avoid tough exchanges.However, Makhachev had to face taller opponents before. One of the best examples was against Dan Hooker, who also had a noticeable height and reach advantage. Makhachev quickly closed the distance and dropped Hooker in the first round. This performance showed that physical size alone is not enough to stop the Russian champion.Makhachev’s greatest weapon remains his fight and grappling. His ability to score takedowns often takes away his opponent’s striking advantage. His shorter frame also gives him a lower center of gravity, allowing him to more easily overcome takedown attempts and control opponents in the clinch.The numbers also favor Makhachev in terms of experience. He enters UFC 330 with a professional record of 28 wins and one loss in 29 fights. Harry has 17 wins and one loss in 18 professional fights. This gives Makhachev 11 more professional fights, including several championship fights.Harry has one statistical advantage. About 41 percent of his wins come by stoppage, while Makhachev’s rate is about 18 percent. The Irish contender showed that he can finish the fight if he finds the right opening.Harry earned his first UFC title shot after impressive wins over Carlos Prates and former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad. These victories convinced many that he belonged to the elite of the division.For Makhachev, this fight is another chance to cement his legacy. After moving up from lightweight and winning the welterweight title against Jack Della Maddalena, he now looks to defend the belt for the first time.Height and reach could certainly help Ian Harry if he continues to fight. But if Makhachev can close the distance and utilize his world-class wrestling, those physical advantages could become far less important inside the Octagon.