The fight bell hasn't rung yet, but Garry's head is already in the ring. Javier Mendez sees a fighter who isn't just bold, but bold correctly. He isn't predicting a miracle. Just a realistic push.
Mendez on Mental Game
Mendez runs a gym where fighters like Daniel Cormier and Luke Rockhold sharpened their edge. He knows brains matter. For Garry, it's not just about staying calm. It's about setting achievable goals. 'Realistic expectations create real results.'
Garry steps into the cage on Aug. 15 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. His opponent, Makhachev, is no stranger to elite grappling. But Mendez argues confidence — not just in moves, but in strategy — is Garry's edge.
Mendez warns against the line between belief and delusion. He points to Ilia Topuria’s loss to Justin Gaethje as a case study. Topuria's predictions didn't match the outcome. Now, Mendez isn't saying Garry will win. Just that he can be competitive.
Mendez doesn't bet on fantasy. Garry will go five rounds. The plan is to win all five. 'That will never change.' Five rounds of pressure. Five rounds of control. Not a finish in Round 1, but a finish in the mind.
UFC 330's main event is a test of nerves as much as fists. Makhachev is a favorite. Garry is an underdog. But with the right mindset, Mendez says Garry isn't just a puncher. He's a thinker.