Ian Machado Garry has delivered a fierce warning to Islam Makhachev ahead of their UFC 330 welterweight title fight. The Irish contender says he plans to end Makhachev’s reign and leave Philadelphia with the championship belt.Garry is preparing for the biggest fight of his UFC career. He will challenge Makhachev in the main event on August 15. The Irishman believes his takedown defense, movement and striking can prevent the champion from controlling the fight.
Ian Machado Garry confident of stopping Islam Makhachev in UFC 330
Ian Garry made his intentions clear during the UFC 330 Countdown show. Speaking about his preparation ahead of the bout and his connection with Chute Boxe, the Irishman said he feels a strong responsibility to represent his team. He said that becoming a champion would allow him to follow the path of some of the sport’s greatest fighters.Garry then turned his attention to Makhachev. He said his objective is simple. He wants to defeat the Russian, have his hand raised and return to his team with the UFC welterweight title. His language was extremely aggressive as he described his intention to seriously hurt Makhachev inside the Octagon.The confidence is typical of Garry, who has remained outspoken throughout his UFC career. He has faced criticism from fans and received significant attention outside the cage. However, the Irishman insists that his focus has remained on becoming UFC champion.The fight represents a major opportunity for Garry. He earned his title shot after recovering from the first loss of his professional career. Garry suffered that defeat against Shavkat Rakhmonov in 2024 but responded with important victories over Carlos Prates and Belal Muhammad in 2025.Makhachev presents an entirely different challenge. The Dagestani fighter is known for his elite grappling, control and submission skills. He also became a two-division UFC champion after defeating Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title.Garry told TNT Sports that he can avoid the problems that have troubled other opponents against Makhachev. He analysed Maddalena’s fight and said Makhachev’s ability to defend takedowns will be one of the most important factors in the contest.UFC CEO Dana White has also recognised Garry as a serious threat in the past. White explained that Garry has shown excellent takedown defense and has a style capable of frustrating opponents. According to White, the biggest question will be whether Garry can keep the fight standing. If he manages to do that, White believes the Irishman can create major problems for Makhachev.Garry has support from other UFC stars as well. Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley has backed the Irishman to win. O’Malley has praised Garry’s ability and believes he is good enough to pull off the upset.The stakes are enormous for both fighters. Makhachev wants to continue his remarkable winning run and establish himself as one of the UFC’s elite champions. Garry, meanwhile, is chasing the biggest victory of his career.