Ian Garry Reveals Why he Presents The ‘Trickiest’ Challenge For Islam Makhachev Ahead of UFC 330 Clash

Irish star Ian Garry reveals why UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev is hesitant to face him at UFC 330.

Ian Garry Reveals Why he Presents The ‘Trickiest’ Challenge For Islam Makhachev Ahead of UFC 330 Clash

Ian Garry talks about Islam Makhachev (via MMA Mania)

Ian Garry has quickly emerged as one of the UFC’s fastest-rising contenders. While not always as exciting as other welterweight stars, the Irish contender has defeated some of the division’s biggest names. That run earned Garry a title shot against Dagestani phenom Islam Makhachev at UFC 330. Ahead of the clash, Garry recently explained why he believes Makhachev has never faced anyone like him before.

Garry’s rise has been fueled by wins over several top welterweight contenders. In his most recent UFC appearance, the Irishman earned a unanimous decision victory over former champion Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar. Before that, he defeated Carlos Prates at UFC Kansas City in April 2025. Those victories cemented Garry’s position as the 170-pound division’s leading title challenger.

Makhachev, meanwhile, has relatively limited experience competing at welterweight. However, he dominated Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 to capture the title with ease. The champion now returns for his first welterweight title defense against Garry at UFC 330. Ahead of the matchup, Garry explained why he believes Makhachev was hesitant to face him because of his unique stylistic advantages.

I have this feeling in my heart that they know I’m the trickiest opponent for him. That’s why he’s calling out Prates, Morales, that’s why he called out Kamaru Usman. I’m tricky on the feet, on the ground. I’m hard to touch, hard to control, I’m hard to predict. There is nobody in this division who’s a trickier matchup for Islam Makhachev. I know how to stop the takedown. I stopped 15 out of 17 takedowns from Shavkat and Belal Muhammad. Four people in this sport, since I made my debut, have double-digit wins. Me and Islam are 2 of the 4.

Ian Garry via The Ariel Helwani Show

Garry’s comments are interesting given Makhachev’s earlier plans at welterweight. The champion initially expressed interest in facing former champion Kamaru Usman because of his legacy in the division. Makhachev also recently favored Prates as a challenger following the Brazilian’s victories over Leon Edwards and Della Maddalena. Those developments make Garry’s latest remarks even more notable.

The Irish star has long spoken about proving himself against the very best fighters in the sport. The Dagestani champion enters the Philadelphia main event riding a remarkable 16-fight winning streak and is widely regarded as one of the UFC’s most technically skilled competitors. Garry has made it clear that he wants to defeat Makhachev and prove the champion is not as unbeatable as many believe.

Makhachev has already weighed in on the challenge awaiting him on August 16. The champion has dismissed concerns about ‘The Future’s’ striking arsenal and expressed confidence heading into the matchup. Despite that, Garry remains one of the most unpredictable opponents of Makhachev’s career. It remains to be seen what game plan the Irish contender develops for the welterweight champion.

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Islam Makhachev entered the 170-pound division with a statement of intent and immediate impact. The Dagestani superstar carried his elite wrestling and grappling seamlessly into welterweight competition. However, the champion has since (UFC 322 win) been out of competition amid rumors surrounding a hand injury.

Islam Makhachev vs Ian Garry targeted for UFC 330
Islam Makhachev vs Ian Garry targeted for UFC 330 (via MMA Mania, X)

Several fighters, including Joaquin Buckley, have criticized Makhachev for inactivity at welterweight, claiming he has slowed the division and focused outside the octagon. Garry has also recently questioned the champion’s activity level while promoting his own rise as a future title challenger. Garry insists he will capture the belt at UFC 330 and be a more active champion than Makhachev.

Islam only fights once a year. His next defense might be in July 2027… The welterweight division is the greatest it’s ever been. When I’m the champion, there’s gonna be more activity, more high-level fights. It’s the best thing for the sport.

Ian Garry via The Ariel Helwani Show

Ian Garry has been waiting months for his title opportunity and continues to push for clarity in the division. He has challenged Makhachev’s callout of Kamaru Usman, questioning the champion’s opponent choices. On social media, ‘The Future’ has posted waiting messages as he built anticipation for the fight. It remains to be seen whether the Irishman secures his long-awaited title win at UFC 330.

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