Ian Machado Garry will attempt to become the second Irish fighter to win a UFC championship when he challenges Islam Makhachev for the welterweight title in the main event of UFC 330 in Philadelphia this weekend.
The 28-year-old Dubliner enters the biggest fight of his career with a 17-1 professional record following victories over former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad, Carlos Prates and Michael ‘Venom; Page. His sole defeat came by decision against the previously unbeaten Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Garry has since worked his way into a title opportunity against two-weight champion Makhachev.
“This is not a fight where I am trying to beat the champion of the world. This is a fight where I prove that I am the champion of the world,” said Garry, according to RTE. “This is an accumulation of all of my hard work. Every step, decision and sacrifice have all led to where I am right now.”
Makhachev moved to welterweight after a dominant run as lightweight champion and claimed the 170-pound title with a decision victory over Jack Della Maddalena. Garry said the champion’s standing in the sport only adds to the significance of the contest. “This is now a double champion who came up and defeated the welterweight champion in a dominant fashion,” said Garry. “But let’s not forget that I have legacy to be made in this fight.”
A victory would make Garry Ireland’s second UFC champion and begin what he hopes will be an extended run at the top of the welterweight division. The contest also presents a contrast between Garry’s movement and striking and Makhachev’s established grappling game, although Garry expects the fight to test both men across all areas. “He is an expert when he grabs a hold of you, I am an expert when you don’t have a hold of me,” said Garry. “Can he beat me on the feet? Can I survive his grappling? That is the fight.”
Garry spent part of his preparation in Dublin at Straight Blast Gym after spending significant periods training and living in Brazil with his family. The Portmarnock native will now travel to the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia seeking the result that would place him alongside Conor McGregor as an Irish UFC champion. “My job is to show up and get my hand raised,” said Garry. “By any means necessary.”
