Ian Garry Cites Justin Gaethje and Sean Strickland as Inspiration for UFC 330 Title Fight

Irish UFC star Ian Garry reveals how Sean Strickland and Justin Gaethje's redemption arcs inspires him ahead of UFC 330.

Ian Garry Cites Justin Gaethje and Sean Strickland as Inspiration for UFC 330 Title Fight

Ian Garry cites 2026's biggest UFC upsets as inspiring (Image via MMA Fighting, Instagram)

Ian Garry is undoubtedly set to face the biggest test of his career at UFC 330. The Irishman is scheduled to take on Islam Makhachev, a former two-division champion riding a 16-fight win streak. Garry enters the matchup as a +280 underdog against the welterweight champion. However, the Irish welterweight recently revealed that recent championship fights have sparked new confidence in his preparation.

Makhachev is a seasoned champion who moved up from the lightweight division after vacating his belt. At UFC 322, he dominated Jack Della Maddalena to capture the welterweight title and extend his reign. That victory cemented his status as a two-division champion and further strengthened his legacy. He also carries nearly six years more UFC experience than Garry heading into their UFC 330 matchup.

Garry joined the UFC undefeated in 2021 and quickly built a strong early win streak. He eventually suffered his first career loss against Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310. Despite that setback, he enters UFC 330 off a win over former champion Belal Muhammad. With the odds stacked against him, Garry cited Justin Gaethje and Sean Strickland’s championship wins as inspiration heading into the fight.

When Sean Strickland goes out and beats Khamzat Chimaev and upsets the apple cart (like) no one expected… No one can sit here and think that it’s impossible that I can beat Islam Makhachev. I’m far more complete, and I have way more ways to win that fight. I am the most dangerous opponent for Islam Makhachev.

Ian Garry via Fighters Only

Gaethje pulled off a major upset over Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 to win the undisputed lightweight belt. The American star entered the fight as a +400 underdog against the then-undefeated Topuria. He brutalized Topuria across the bout, forcing the Spaniard’s corner to stop the fight in the fourth round.

Strickland, on the other hand, handed Chechen phenom Khamzat Chimaev his first career loss at UFC 328 to become a two-time middleweight champion. He entered the contest as a +430 underdog against the heavily favored Chimaev. Strickland’s pressure and volume ultimately secured him an upset victory.

Garry has himself expressed confidence in dominating Makhachev on August 15. The Irish contender called himself the trickiest stylistic challenge for the Dagestani champion. He pointed to his well-rounded skill set as a key factor in the matchup. Garry also believes his takedown defense will be a decisive factor.

Makhachev had previously teased a title shot for rising contender Carlos Prates. The Brazilian was seen as a more exciting option due to his aggressive finishing style. In contrast, Garry’s last five UFC wins have all ended in decisions. The champion reportedly viewed Prates as the more entertaining challenge.

While Justin Gaethje and Sean Strickland now enjoy championship success, Ian Garry prepares for Islam Makhachev. He is in camp for UFC 330 against the pound-for-pound champion. Makhachev is one of MMA’s most complete fighters. The matchup poses a major challenge for ‘The Future’.

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Ian Garry advises the #3-ranked welterweight to move up to 185 pounds

At UFC 322, Islam Makhachev dominated Jack Della Maddalena to win the welterweight title. The result triggered a major shakeup in the welterweight division. Carlos Prates knocked out former champion Leon Edwards on the same card. Michael Morales also stopped the then #1-ranked contender, Sean Brady.

Both Prates and Morales called for a UFC welterweight title shot after their respective UFC 322 finishes. Both briefly emerged as frontrunners for the next opportunity. However, Ian Garry shifted the picture by earning the number one ranking after defeating Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar.

Ian Garry
Ian Garry (via GivemeSport)

Morales has built a reputation as a dangerous knockout artist within the division. He remains one of the few top-ranked fighters still undefeated in the UFC. His rise has been driven by key wins over established names. Victories against Gilbert Burns and Neil Magny quickly cemented his place at 170 pounds.

Morales was confident he would earn the next title shot and had a plan to beat Makhachev. He believed his undefeated run and power made him the top contender. However, the UFC booked Makhachev vs Garry for UFC 330 instead. Garry advised Morales to move up to 185 pounds given his frame and height.

If I was Michael Morales, my advice to him would be to go up to 185. Because you’re young, you’re big, you’re somewhat talented. I think he could do very well there.

Ian Garry via The Ariel Helwani Show

However, as Morales was left out of the UFC 330 title fight, the Ecuadorian contender was confirmed as the backup. He remains on standby should any last-minute issues arise involving Ian Garry or Islam Makhachev. This keeps Morales directly tied to the title picture despite not securing the official booking.

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