Islam Makhachev's coach welcomes Ian Garry's trash talk with one exception

Javier Mendez, Islam Makhachev's longtime head coach, has drawn a clear line on what trash talk is acceptable ahead of the UFC 330 welterweight title defense between his fighter and Ian Garry on August 15 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.

Mendez welcomed the pre-fight exchanges between Garry and Makhachev's manager Ali Abdelaziz, crediting them with building hype around the matchup. However, the American Kickboxing Academy founder was firm that certain topics must remain off-limits. "Between Ian and Ali, it's good to build the drama and make it interesting for the fans," Mendez told NewBettingSites. "Garry is doing all the right things and saying all the stuff to make the fight more interesting—without going overboard, of course. I'm fine with trash talk. As long as it has nothing to do with the country, family or religion."

Mendez rejected comparisons to the contentious Khabib Nurmagomedov versus Conor McGregor rivalry, noting that Garry has maintained respect throughout the buildup. He clarified that fighters and their coaching staff are fair game for verbal sparring, but extended family members and deeply held beliefs should remain protected. "There are zero similarities to Conor vs. Khabib," Mendez said. "Unless Ian starts disrespecting family and religion or country, but I don't see him doing that or Islam doing it either. They should leave everyone else alone though."

Makhachev arrives at UFC 330 with a 28-1 record, seeking his first title defense after capturing the welterweight crown last year. A victory over Garry (17-1) would set the Dagestani fighter atop the UFC's consecutive-win record.