Islam Makhachev Issues Lavish Praise to Ian Garry for Competitive UFC 330 Title Fight

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev commends Ian Garry's performance against him at UFC 330.

Islam Makhachev Issues Lavish Praise to Ian Garry for Competitive UFC 330 Title Fight

Islam Makhachev commends Ian Garry after UFC 330 (via X)

Islam Makhachev made a statement at UFC 330 by handing Ian Garry his second professional loss. The Dagestani star defeated Garry by unanimous decision, successfully defending his UFC welterweight championship. The victory also extended Makhachev’s UFC winning streak to 17 fights, the longest in UFC history.

Makhachev controlled much of the fight with his wrestling, repeatedly taking Garry down and limiting his offense with top control. Garry found success with kicks and strikes at range, but Makhachev regained control. He secured back control in the fifth round before winning by unanimous decision, 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47.

Garry impressed with his takedown defense, limiting the champion’s wrestling success during several exchanges. The Irishman remained competitive throughout the five-round contest and absorbed Makhachev’s pressure. Makhachev emerged in high spirits after securing the win and praised Garry’s performance afterward.

Yeah, he’s a great fighter, good man and I just respect him. He gave me a hard time, but I still prove everyfight. He improved a lot. He is working with one of the best fighter coaches, Demian Maia. That’s why I see he improved his grappling also.

Islam Makhachev via UFC 330 Octagon interview

Makhachev was asked whether Garry presented the toughest challenge of his career at UFC 330. He acknowledged Garry’s challenge but dismissed it as his hardest fight. Instead, the welterweight champion pointed to Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284, where he won a competitive unanimous decision after five rounds.

The praise carried extra weight after Makhachev had previously mocked Garry’s connection to Brazil and his training there. He also trolled Garry’s partnership with Charles Oliveira, whom Makhachev submitted at UFC 280. However, Makhachev also showed appreciation for UFC veteran Demian Maia’s work with Garry.

However, Garry had previously predicted that he would present the trickiest challenge of Makhachev’s career. The Irishman highlighted his kicks and striking as key weapons that could trouble the champion. That translated into the fight, as Garry used his kicks effectively and found success during the third round.

Makhachev had predicted a finish before the third round and wanted to avoid entering the championship rounds. That prediction did not materialize, as Garry survived into the fifth round. However, Makhachev landed a head kick in the second round, briefly dropping the challenger before continuing his attack.

There was some tension between the two main event fighters heading into UFC 330, with the champion occasionally trolling the Irishman’s public persona.

However, Islam Makhachev’s praise afterward highlighted the bright future ahead for Ian Garry. At just 28, ‘The Future’ has plenty of time to build on the experience and continue his rise.

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Islam Makhachev chooses next challenger after UFC 330 victory

Since UFC 322, major questions have surrounded who would challenge Islam Makhachev for his first title defense. Michael Morales knocked out Sean Brady on the same card, while Carlos Prates stopped Leon Edwards. Prates most recently added another major win by knocking out Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Perth.

Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev (via X)

Ian Garry stood out as a leading contender because of his resume and recent momentum before UFC 330. The Irishman also held a win over Prates from UFC Kansas City.

Garry strengthened his case by defeating former champion Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar. However, the title opportunity did not go his way at UFC 330.

However, Makhachev has been vocal about wanting to fight Prates since UFC Perth. The champion believes the Brazilian consistently produces exciting fights and presents an appealing matchup.

Following his successful defense against Garry, Makhachev now considers Prates the clearest contender for his next title opportunity.

Shavkat is not fighting, Prates still fighting, still active. Morales also is good but I don’t remember last time he fight. If you ask who is more deserving, I think Carlos Prates.

Islam Makhachev via UFC on Paramount

Another major name in the welterweight division is undoubtedly Shavkat Rakhmonov, who has remained sidelined with an injury. However, Rakhmonov is now slowly returning to training and television appearances.

Until his return, ‘The Nightmare’ remains the biggest contender for Islam Makhachev’s next welterweight title defense.

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