Ian Machado Garry is embracing the biggest challenge of his MMA career with complete confidence.
The Irish contender will challenge Islam Makhachev for the UFC welterweight title in the main event of UFC 330 on Aug. 15 in Philadelphia. While many view the champion as one of the toughest tests in the sport, Machado Garry believes he has the tools to end Makhachev’s remarkable run at the top.
The brash Irishman wrote on his Instagram that he sees areas where he believes he can create problems for the champion.
Machachev’s PVP Status Does Not Bother Gary
So far, only one fighter has been able to solve the puzzle that is Makhachev. The reigning champion has built a reputation through dominant performances and a lengthy unbeaten run inside the Octagon.
Makhachev enters the fight riding one of the longest winning streaks in UFC history and holds the No. 1 spot in the pound-for-pound rankings.
Despite those accomplishments,
“I don’t think Islam has a lot of weaknesses.”
“He’s never fought someone as long and tall as me. He’s not fought someone as fast as me. He’s not fought someone who has the distance management, the boxing capabilities, the head movement that I do, but also the takedown defense.”
The challenger also welcomed the possibility of grappling exchanges against one of the sport’s most accomplished wrestlers.
“He might get me down. I hope he does, ’cause I want to prove to the world that he can’t submit me”
“I want to prove to the world that I can beat him in his own world.”
“I’m going to bounce him on his skull, I’m going to take his title. I’m going to take his throne. And I’m going to finish that consecutive win streak.”