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Ian Machado Garry believes he will show the world that his striking is worlds above Islam Makhachev’s.
Garry is the planned challenger for Makhachev’s welterweight title, and the two are scheduled to clash with the gold at stake in the UFC 330 main event on Aug. 15. The Irishman will be the underdog entering the biggest bout of his career with the top pound-for-pound fighter in MMA today.
That doesn’t mean “The Future’s” confidence has wavered in any way. During the countdown show for UFC 330, Garry was adamant that his striking will be a nightmare for the 170-pound champion, and he’s itching to get a definitive knockout.
🗣️ Islam Makhachev: “I can make this fight easy. I just have to follow my plan and I can beat him in the first round.”
🗣️ Ian Garry: “[Islam] doesn’t have a chance against me on the feet. I need to see him unconscious.” 👀#UFC330 pic.twitter.com/LVl67DYMfM
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 9, 2026
“Islam’s never fought anybody as long and tall as I am,” Garry said. “Let alone somebody who moves the way I move. He doesn’t have a chance against me on the feet, and I need to see him unconscious. There’s no excuses when I beat him.”
Makhachev had something to say about Garry’s bravado, and he’s sure that the contender will leave Philadelphia empty-handed.
“Everybody say before the fight, ‘I’m gonna knock him out. I’m gonna finish Islam. I’m gonna stop his wrestling,’ but it’s not working,” Makhachev responded. “I’m gonna do whatever I want and finish him. I’m the best fighter in the world, and I’m gonna show it in Philadelphia.”
Garry has been pushing the idea that he will put Makhachev to sleep, which would be just the second time in the champion’s career. If “The Future” is to make good on his word, he’ll need to score his first finish since 2023. Garry’s last six fights have gone the distance, but he feels he’s facing the surefire future Hall of Famer at the perfect time.
The aforementioned lone defeat in Makhachev’s career occurred all the way back in 2015, and he’s been as close to flawless as one could ask since that time. Having won gold in two weight classes, Makhachev wants to continue adding to his legacy with a successful welterweight title defense on his resume.
Does Ian Machado Garry have a big advantage on the feet, or will Islam Makhachev have his number there? Drop a comment below.
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