“His Family Support Me” – Islam Makhachev Digs at Ian Garry When Asked About Irish Star’s Fanbase

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev hilariously questions the existence of Ian Garry's fanbase ahead of UFC 330.

“His Family Support Me” – Islam Makhachev Digs at Ian Garry When Asked About Irish Star’s Fanbase

Islam Makhachev trolls Ian Garry (via X)

Islam Makhachev faces Ian Garry at UFC 330 while riding a 16-fight UFC winning streak. A victory would give Makhachev the longest winning streak in UFC history. It would also make him the fifth fighter to successfully defend a UFC title in a second division.

However, attention has remained on Garry throughout fight week, from controversies surrounding his personality to his bold predictions. The Irish contender has remained unbothered by the scrutiny. He continues focusing on his goal of defeating Makhachev and becoming UFC welterweight champion.

Garry was in full flow at the UFC 330 pre-fight press conference, confidently addressing his title challenge. However, Philadelphia fans heavily booed the Irish contender, while Makhachev received strong support. The champion later had a hilarious reaction when asked whether Garry had any fans in attendance.

Fans? Maybe just his family bro. Also his family, they support me.

Islam Makhachev via UFC

That has added extra context to the storyline, with Garry’s three-year-old son Leo being a big fan of Makhachev. Leo became emotional after missing the chance to meet Makhachev during their faceoff at the Rocky Steps. Makhachev recently met Leo backstage as he prepared to face Garry at UFC 330.

Garry’s personal life has also faced controversy during UFC 330 fight week, beginning with his claim that the world would be better if women ran it. However, greater headlines followed after a man claiming to be Garry’s brother accused him of portraying himself as a victim and misrepresenting their upbringing.

Garry also drew backlash after appearing in PETA’s ‘Plant-Based’ campaign before UFC 330. His involvement became another source of criticism during the buildup to his title fight.

Makhachev also trolled Garry over his reputation during UFC 330 fight week, referencing the controversy surrounding his personal life. The champion highlighted Garry’s public image and marriage while taking another shot at the challenger.

However, Ian Garry remains focused on the challenge ahead and has previously discussed changing the world’s perception of him.

The Irish contender aims to do that by dismantling the UFC’s pound-for-pound leader. However, a victory for Makhachev would undoubtedly strengthen his case for a place in the UFC GOAT debate.

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Former champion picks against Islam Makhachev for UFC 330

Jack Della Maddalena rose to UFC championship success after accepting a short-notice opportunity against Belal Muhammad at UFC 315. He defeated the former champion to capture the welterweight title. However, his reign was short-lived, as Islam Makhachev dominated him in his first title defense.

Della Maddalena tried to rebound at UFC Perth after losing his welterweight title to Makhachev. However, Carlos Prates stopped that effort in the third round at RAC Arena. Prates dropped him multiple times before securing the TKO at 3:17, handing JDM his second straight defeat.

Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena
Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena (via UFC)

However, Garry enters as the taller fighter at nearly 6-foot-3, using kicks and knee strikes to control distance. His takedown defense could challenge Makhachev’s grappling, especially with his five-inch height advantage. That led Della Maddalena to recently back the Irish contender for an upset victory.

I believe Ian Garry’s gonna get the win, I think he’s gonna be too long. He’s gonna be able keep the distance, keep the fight in the range that he’s gonna have the advantage. I think he’ll kick the legs, jab, stay away from Makhachev and out-point his way to a 5-round decision.

Jack Della Maddalena via Instagram

Jack Della Maddalena believed he had made major changes since UFC 322 and was ready to avenge his loss to the Dagestani phenom. However, Carlos Prates’ UFC Perth upset ended his comeback bid. Despite his own defeat to Makhachev, JDM now backs Ian Garry to beat the champion at UFC 330.

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