Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry Makes Massive Prediction for UFC 330 Title Fight
Confidence is riding high for UFC 330 headliners as Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry promise a finish to MMA fans.
Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry (Image via Bleacher Report/talkSPORT)
The main event of UFC 330 will see Islam Makhachev defend his welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry. The UFC has promoted the title fight as Dagestan vs Ireland Part II as Makhachev is currently being coached by Khabib Nurmagomedov and Garry knows Conor McGregor well.
Nevertheless, both fighters are aiming for history at UFC 330. Makhachev can surpass the longstanding record set by Anderson Silva this Saturday night for the longest winning streak in UFC history. Meanwhile, Garry aims to become the second ever Irish champion in the promotion.
As the title fight is set with massive expectations, both fighters have laid out what they expect to do in the upcoming main event in Philadelphia. To that end, Makhachev confidently proclaimed himself as the best fighter in the world and that he would defeat Garry at UFC 330.
I’m not just a grappler, I’m the best fighter in the world. I’m going to use all my skills. Ian is the new generation of this sport, he’s young. He wants to be UFC world champion. He has a great style, but I can beat him in the first round… I can make this fight easy. I just have to follow my plan and I can beat him in the first round.
Islam Makhachev via UFC 330 Countdown
During his lightweight title reign, Makhachev secured two first round finishes. The rematch against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294 saw the Dagestani star land a head kick knockout. During UFC 311, Makhachev submitted Renato Moicano in the first round as well.
So far, Garry has not lost in the UFC via finishes. His sole loss came against Shavkat Rakhmonov in a lackluster decision at UFC 310. Nevertheless, the Irish star is confident about his chances and wants no excuses from anyone when he eventually defeats the double champion at UFC 330.
Islam has never fought anyone as tall or long as I am let alone someone who moves the way I move. He doesn’t have a chance against me on the feet. I need to see him unconscious. There’s no excuses when I beat him. Ian Machado Garry is the best fighter in the world, that’s it.
Ian Garry via UFC 330 Countdown
🗣️ Islam Makhachev: “I can make this fight easy. I just have to follow my plan and I can beat him in the first round.”
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 9, 2026
🗣️ Ian Garry: “[Islam] doesn’t have a chance against me on the feet. I need to see him unconscious.” 👀#UFC330 pic.twitter.com/LVl67DYMfM
Islam Makhachev is heavily favored by the oddsmakers as he currently sits close to -340 and Garry is the underdog at +270. Both fighters received criticism for their last bouts having little to no action.
Makhachev defeated Jack Della Maddalena over five rounds, which didn’t please the MMA fans. Meanwhile, Garry had a decision win over Belal Muhammad, where he outpointed the former champion in three rounds.
It remains to be seen if the two fighters can deliver on their promise or will it be another lackluster decision like their previous bout.
Islam Makhachev explains importance of hobbies in fighting career
UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev is not a one-trick pony. Everyone already knows about his well-rounded skillset inside the octagon. Moreover, he doesn’t stop there as Makhachev is known to enjoy other activities outside training camps.

Whenever he is not fighting, the welterweight champion goes for mountain biking adventures alongside his friends. Recently, Makhachev revealed another one of his hobbies and explained the importance of taking focus off fighting during grueling training camps with Khabib Nurmagomedov.
It’s something I want to tell all the fighters on my team: you guys have to do something else, not just MMA and training every day. It’s going to bother you. After a couple of years, you’re not going to love this sport anymore. Fishing makes me feel ready for a new week.
Islam Makhachev via UFC 330 Countdown
Islam Makhachev explains the importance of taking your focus off fighting during training camp. 🧠
— MMA Pros Pick (@MMA_PROS_PICK_) August 9, 2026
"It’s something I want to tell all the fighters on my team: you guys have to do something else, not just MMA and training every day.
It’s going to bother you. After a couple of… pic.twitter.com/FeBm97qxnD
The Dagestani star has stated that he will not retire after UFC 330, and has indicated Carlos Prates as the logical challenger for the title. This revelation from Makhachev makes UFC 330 all the more interesting for MMA fans.
Also Read:
- Free Agent Usman Nurmagomedov’s ‘Special Abilities’ Praised By Legendary MMA Coach
- Team Islam Makhachev Blasts Comparison Between Conor McGregor and Ian Garry: “This Guy Runs, Conor Fights”
Nidhin Shibu
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