Dismantling Islam Makhachev Guarantees Pound-for-Pound No. 1 Status, Says Ian Garry

UFC superstar Islam Makhachev gets warned by Irish MMA star, Ian Garry, ahead of their title fight next month.

Dismantling Islam Makhachev Guarantees Pound-for-Pound No. 1 Status, Says Ian Garry

Ian Garry promises to defeat Islam Makhachev (Image via DAZN/Forbes)

Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Garry marks the first UFC welterweight title fight this year. UFC 330 in Philadelphia will also see Makhachev attempt to defend his welterweight title for the first time. As such, Garry isn’t even worried about facing the pound-for-pound #1 fighter in the UFC.

The Irish fighter has remained very consistent in the promotion, suffering just a single loss on short-notice against Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310. The takedown defense has improved since then, and Garry aims to shock everyone at UFC 330 next month.

So far, Garry sits as a +280 underdog as not many fans think he can defeat Islam Makhachev, who is on a record 16-fight winning streak. Garry praised and expressed his love for the Dagestani champion in a recent interview. However, he also promised a rude awakening for everyone who doesn’t believe in him as he eyes the P4P spot with a win over Makhachev.

I have nothing but love and respect for Islam Makhachev, and the body of work that he’s done in the UFC is unbelievable. When I fight Islam Makhachev on August 15th, I’m gonna be the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world, the two-weight champion. I’m gonna dismantle him, and when I do, there’s no doubt I’ll be the greatest fighter on the planet.

Ian Garry told Irishboxing.com

Ever since his UFC debut in 2021, the Irishman has used his height, movement, and technical striking to overcome his opposition. From that time, Garry has spoken about wanting to write his name in the history books. Being ranked the pound-for-pound #1 is the start to becoming a great fighter.

Regardless of the ambition, Makhachev is among the most accomplished fighters in the current UFC roster. He has defeated the likes of Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, Alexander Volkanovski, and Jack Della Maddalena to name a few. Facing a tall and rangy striker like Garry is definitely new for Makhachev. Nevertheless, many including, Jon Jones, think the Dagestani fighter will win at UFC 330.

In the last 12 months, the pound-for-pound #1 ranking was held by Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. With Topuria out of the picture after losing at UFC Freedom 250, someone will definitely become P4P #1 if Garry can dethrone the Dagestani fighter at UFC 330.

The Irish fighter may need to rack consistent title defenses to eventually become the No. 1 fighter. Nevertheless, he could be on the path to greatness if he can somehow defeat the dominant Dagestani fighter on August 15.

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Ian Garry vows to outshine Islam Makhachev in all areas at UFC 330

Since losing to Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310, fans pointed out the grappling weakness of Ian Garry. In that fight, even though the Kazakh phenom landed just 2 takedowns, Garry was pushed against the octagon for the majority of the bout. He couldn’t escape from Rakhmonov, and ultimately lost the bout by not mounting enough offense during the five-round bout.

Ian Garry talks Islam Makhachev
Ian Garry talks about Islam Makhachev (via MMA Mania)

Since then, the Irish fighter has defeated Carlos Prates and Belal Muhammad in important bouts in the welterweight division. These bouts showed his improvements as well. As such, Garry has promised to outclass Makhachev at UFC 330.

He’s gonna inevitably grab my leg, there’s no doubt that’s gonna happen. And I can’t wait for it to happen because I’m gonna beat him where he’s best.

Ian Garry told Irishboxing.com

Makhachev has one of the best takedown abilities in the UFC. Garry will need to keep the fight standing, and outpoint the Dagestani fighter to win a decision. After all, the Irish fighter hasn’t finished any opponent in his last six bouts. It remains to be seen if Garry trying to beat Makhachev at his own game will come to haunt him or will it become his crowning achievement.

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