Conor McGregor Backs ‘Irish Brazilian’ Ian Garry to Defeat Islam Makhachev at UFC 330

Conor McGregor believes Ian Garry has the perfect gameplan to defeat champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 330.

Conor McGregor Backs ‘Irish Brazilian’ Ian Garry to Defeat Islam Makhachev at UFC 330

Conor McGregor predicts Islam Makhachev vs Ian Garry (via Instagram, talkSport)

Conor McGregor has been associated with Ian Garry since the welterweight contender’s early days in MMA. Garry grew up idolizing McGregor, whose rise helped inspire his own path into mixed martial arts. The two have also trained together at SBG Ireland, further connecting Garry with his longtime idol.

However, Garry now faces the toughest test of his career against welterweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 330. The title fight headlines Saturday’s event at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. Garry enters the matchup with winning momentum after defeating former champion Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar.

McGregor’s history with Makhachev dates back to UFC 229 and the rivalry with Khabib Nurmagomedov. Makhachev was part of Nurmagomedov’s team during the infamous post-fight brawl in Las Vegas.

The former two-division champion has publicly supported Garry throughout fight week ahead of his UFC 330 title fight against Makhachev. He also showed support for his fellow Irishman following their initial faceoff. McGregor has now made his official prediction for the highly anticipated welterweight championship bout.

Let’s go Garry. You all know it. He has the tools. He’s been doing great work in SBG. He’s long. He’s definitely going to stay safe. He’s definitely going to be in there. How do I see it? Right high kick across the crown of the head, and a victory for the Irish-Brazilian. Let’s go Ian. Rooting for you, bro. Great scrap, yeah. What round? Late round. This goes late, folks. Great fight. Looking very much forward to it.

Conor McGregor via X

McGregor’s reference to Garry as an “Irish Brazilian” was a pointed jab at his connections to Brazil. The 28-year-old regularly trains in Brazil alongside Charles Oliveira and other Brazilian fighters. He is also fluent in Portuguese through his wife’s Brazilian roots, adding another link to the country.

Garry has previously discussed his ambition to create an impact comparable to McGregor’s in the UFC. The welterweight contender has also said he wants to surpass McGregor’s achievements.

Garry’s aspirations reflect the influence ‘The Notorious One’ has had throughout his own development as an Irish fighter.

Despite the upcoming fight, McGregor has previously praised the Dagestani champion’s UFC accomplishments. The Irishman ranked Makhachev above Nurmagomedov, citing his finishes and success across two divisions.

Ian Garry has always been fascinated by Conor McGregor and regarded the former champion as a major idol. Praise from his childhood hero undoubtedly means a lot to the challenger. However, it remains to be seen whether ‘The Future’ can overcome Islam Makhachev and capture the title.

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Ian Garry reacts to Conor McGregor’s prediction for UFC 330

Garry was vocal about wanting a title shot after defeating Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar. The Irish star had also built goodwill by accepting difficult assignments on short notice throughout his UFC rise. He stepped in against Shavkat Rakhmonov in 2024 and later accepted Carlos Prates on roughly one month’s notice.

Garry pursued a matchup with Islam Makhachev for months, repeatedly calling for the champion on social media. The Irishman believed his striking, size, and takedown defense made him a difficult stylistic challenge. He also highlighted his ability to stay upright against the Dagestani star’s wrestling-heavy approach.

Ian Garry addresses controversies
Ian Garry addresses controversies (via MMA Sucka)

Garry has remained respectful toward his opponents while acknowledging their challenges. The Dagestani phenom enters UFC 330 with a 16-fight UFC winning streak, the promotion’s longest active streak. At the press conference, Garry reacted to McGregor’s head-kick prediction and welcomed the possibility.

That would be a phenomenal finish. I already know that this fight on Saturday night is going to be the toughest fight of my life. I have the toughest challenger of my career ahead of me and I have nothing but respect. The job for me is get my hand raised. That’s my job by any means necessary. If I could finish him, that’s a cherry on top.

Ian Garry via UFC 330 press conference

McGregor’s head-kick prediction remains a long stretch considering how durable Makhachev has been throughout his UFC career.

The champion’s only career knockout loss came against Adriano Martins at UFC 192 in October 2015. Nearly 11 years later, Ian Garry faces a proven finisher with no knockout defeat since that early setback.

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