Ian Garry Reveals Historical Conor McGregor Comparison as UFC 330 Title Fight Against Islam Makhachev Awaits

Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Garry is set to headline UFC 330 in the promotion’s return to Philadelphia. Makhachev will attempt to defend his welterweight title for the first time, but Garry only sees it as history repeating itself. He pointed out Conor McGregor’s first undisputed title fight against Jose Aldo mirroring his own upcoming title fight.

Aldo didn’t lose for around 10 years before facing McGregor back in 2015. Similarly, Makhachev is on a 16-fight winning streak and just need one more win to have the longest winning streak in UFC history. As such, there is immense pressure on Garry to deliver at UFC 330 just like McGregor needed to back in 2015.

The Irish welterweight contender has always been compared to McGregor due to the lack of other MMA stars emerging from their home nation. Garry revealed how much pressure he had to deal with in his career in an interview with High Performance.

I’ve had a lot of pressure from the outside world, from the fans and the sport itself, to be the star and hype that Conor McGregor set. I’ve had a lot of comparisons to Conor due to the fact that we’re both from Ireland

Ian Garry via High Performance podcast

The comparison from the young Irishman didn’t stop there. Soon, he also spoke about the stakes involved at UFC 330 mirroring McGregor’s first undisputed title shot.

When Conor fought for his first UFC title, he fought the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, who hadn’t been beaten in a decade, and he knocked him out in 13 seconds. My next opponent is the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter

Ian Garry via High Performance podcast

Ian Garry says Islam Makhachev being the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter reminds him of Conor McGregor's title-winning moment against Jose Aldo

"I've had a lot of pressure from the outside world, from the fans and the sport itself, to be the star and hype that Conor McGregor set.… pic.twitter.com/LzEqpYDIMa

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) July 19, 2026

Islam Makhachev has held the pound-for-pound #1 spot since winning the welterweight title last year against Jack Della Maddalena. Before that, he also held the P4P #1 spot during his lightweight title reign, which saw him defeat the likes Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski, and Dustin Poirier.

Meanwhile, Ian Garry had to get through the likes of Carlos Prates and Belal Muhammad last year to get the title shot. His sole career loss came against Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310, which the Irish star took on short-notice.

Conor McGregor created an iconic moment when he knocked out Aldo in 13 seconds. Though not known for finishing skills, Garry has a monumental task of having to compete with perfection in order to defeat Makhachev. As such, Garry sees defeating Makhachev at UFC 330 as a major accomplishment, fully keeping in mind what the Dagestani star is capable of.

Ian Garry understands the worst-case scenario in facing Islam Makhachev

The well-rounded skill set of Islam Makhachev has caused problems for many fighters in the UFC. Over the years, the Dagestani star has improved his striking ability while taking his grappling skills to the next level.

This makes him more dangerous as an opponent where even high level fighters like Oliveira, Volkanovski and Poirier struggled against him.

Makhachev’s last fight saw him wrestle Della Maddalena for all five rounds, but couldn’t secure a submission. Ian Garry is also someone who has made improvements in his skillset. After losing to Rakhmonov at UFC 310, Garry has refined his takedown defense to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

Moreover, Garry is also aware of what the welterweight champion is capable of and spoke on the worst-case scenario when he faces Makhachev at UFC 330.

🤔🏆 Ian Garry says the worst that can happen to him against Islam Makhachev is being held down and having a boring 25 minute fight:

"He is a phenomenal wrestler and grappler, and if you allow him to stay on top and utilize his grappling and his wrestling he can suffocate you."… pic.twitter.com/Wc9fdcB4v0

— Full Mount MMA (@MMAFullMount) July 19, 2026

The Irish star emphasized that allowing Makhachev to take control of the grappling exchanges would result in a boring 25-minute bout. He also said it was not fun for anyone, but help the Dagestani fighter keep his title.

Winning one more fight will definitely improve the GOAT standings of Makhachev and Garry aims to prevent that to make history as the second Irish fighter to win a UFC gold.

Also Read:

• Conor McGregor Explains Decision Behind Jumping Leg Strike at UFC 329 That Led to Knee Injury
• “It’s Very Hard to Beat Wrestlers” – Jon Jones Picks GOAT Candidate to Defeat Ian Garry at UFC 330