Islam Makhachev Hilariously Vows to Humble ‘Bad Boy’ Ian Garry at UFC 330 Despite ‘Liking’ Opponent

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev believes he will put end to Ian Garry's outspoken persona at UFC 330.

Islam Makhachev Hilariously Vows to Humble ‘Bad Boy’ Ian Garry at UFC 330 Despite ‘Liking’ Opponent

Islam Makhachev wants to humble Ian Garry (via Yahoo Sports, Instagram)

Islam Makhachev usually lets his performances speak for him. However, Makhachev is willing to respond when instigated. His UFC 330 opponent Ian Garry is the polar opposite, with his outspoken persona often drawing controversy.

Garry often draws attention through his outspoken persona and controversial moments outside the Octagon. His comments about women ruling the world recently created controversy ahead of UFC 330. His PETA plant-based campaign and marriage with Layla Anna Lee have also attracted scrutiny.

Garry remains confident about defeating Makhachev at UFC 330 despite the champion’s elite grappling. He believes his previous fights against established wrestlers like Belal Muhammad helped showcase his improved takedown defense. Garry also feels those performances demonstrated the development of his overall ground game.

However, Makhachev has brushed off Garry’s threats ahead of his first welterweight title defense. The Dagestani star sees little threat from the Irishman and remains confident. Makhachev has also addressed the persona Garry uses during media appearances to intimidate opponents.

I like Ian, he is very good as a fighter, but he just talks too much. When he talks to the media, he acts like a ‘bad boy’ but Saturday night we will make sure that we humble him quickly.

Islam Makhachev told media members

Even before the fight was announced, Makhachev was not recognizing Garry as a deserving title challenger. The champion believed Garry did not deserve the opportunity and was ready to consider other contenders like Carlos Prates, who is on a three-fight knockout streak.

Garry’s outspoken persona has repeatedly placed him at the center of controversy throughout his UFC career. The welterweight has also compared himself to UFC legend Conor McGregor as he builds his own profile. Garry believes a win at UFC 330 would elevate his stardom and legacy beyond the former two-division champion.

Garry believes he is Makhachev’s most difficult matchup because of his unpredictability on the feet and ground. He also highlighted his takedown defense against Shavkat Rakhmonov and Belal Muhammad. Garry noted that he stopped 15 of 17 combined takedowns against the two established welterweights.

The Dagestani champion has also criticized his opponent’s media presence ahead of UFC 330. He believes the Irish welterweight contender should focus more on training and less on interviews. Makhachev also feels Garry tries to portray himself as a bad guy during fight week to be in the spotlight.

Garry now faces the biggest challenge of his career against the reigning welterweight champion. Islam Makhachev has predicted a finish before the third round, showing his confidence ahead of UFC 330.

His recent comments underline the mindset of the UFC’s pound-for-pound No. 1 entering his first welterweight title defense.

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Islam Makhachev questions Ian Garry’s Irish identity ahead of UFC 330

Ian Garry was born in Ireland, but has developed a strong connection with Brazil through his career. He trains at Chute Boxe with Diego Lima and has spent time living and training in Brazil. His wife, Layla, also has Brazilian roots, while Garry adopted her maiden name, Machado, as his surname.

Garry’s Brazilian connection also extends to UFC veterans Charles Oliveira and Demian Maia. He has trained with Oliveira at Chute Boxe and worked separately with Maia on his grappling. Those sessions have strengthened his connection with Brazil’s established MMA scene.

Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev (via X)

Islam Makhachev has previously mocked Garry’s training with Oliveira, whom he defeated for the vacant lightweight title in 2022.

The champion has remained confident despite the Brazilian’s involvement in Garry’s preparation. His recent comments about Garry’s Brazilian connections have now added another layer to that rivalry.

He’s not Irish, bro. He speaks for Brazil, he trains in Brazil, his family is Brazilian. You cannot say this ‘Russia against Irish’, it’s Russia against Brazil.

Islam Makhachev via The Daniel Cormier Show

Makhachev dismissed the idea of another Dagestan versus Ireland rivalry at UFC 330. The storyline recalls Khabib Nurmagomedov’s UFC 229 rivalry with Conor McGregor. However, the champion has instead highlighted Garry’s Brazilian connections, giving the matchup a different identity.

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