Ian Machado Garry believes the biggest fight of his career carries similarities to one of the most iconic moments in UFC history. As he prepares to challenge Islam Makhachev for the welterweight title at UFC 330, the Irish contender sees echoes of Conor McGregor’s legendary championship win over Jose Aldo.
Garry Embraces Historic Opportunity
Speaking on High Performance, Ian Garry acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge awaiting him at UFC 330. Standing across the Octagon will be Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC welterweight champion, a two-division titleholder, and widely regarded as one of the most accomplished fighters in mixed martial arts today.
Still, Garry welcomes the opportunity.
“So, I have a two-weight world champion, the number one pound-for-pound fighter on the planet, and that same man is looking to break the record for the most wins consecutively in the UFC. And that’s the man I get to fight to prove I’m the best in the world.”
McGregor Comparison Continues
Since arriving in the UFC, Garry has often been compared to fellow Dubliner Conor McGregor. With his first title opportunity now in front of him, he believes the situation mirrors McGregor’s featherweight title fight against Jose Aldo.
“I’ve had a lot of comparisons to Conor, due to the fact that we’re both from Dublin, we’re both from Ireland, we both talk the talk, we both walk the walk, but we will fight anyone on the planet.”
Looking back at McGregor’s championship victory, Garry sees another chance for an Irish fighter to make history.
“When Conor fought for his first UFC world title, he fought the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, who hadn’t been beaten for a decade, and he knocked him out in 13 seconds.”
Confident Despite Makhachev’s Strengths
Garry acknowledged Makhachev’s elite wrestling and grappling but remains convinced he has what it takes to become champion.
“If I go out there in that fight, and he out-skills me, and he’s better than me, but I fought him as hard as I could, I can leave the octagon proud that I did everything I possibly could to win that fight.”
UFC 330 takes place on Aug. 15 in Philadelphia, with Garry challenging Makhachev for the welterweight title in the main event.