Islam Makhachev vs Ian Garry in Works to Headline UFC 330 to Renew ‘Dagestan vs Ireland’ Rivalry

Popular Spanish MMA insider hints at Islam Makhachev facing Ian Garry for his inaugural welterweight title defense at UFC 330.

Islam Makhachev vs Ian Garry in Works to Headline UFC 330 to Renew ‘Dagestan vs Ireland’ Rivalry

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

In Short
  • Islam Makhachev is set to headline UFC 330 against Ian Garry, renewing the Dagestan vs Ireland rivalry.
  • Makhachev recently captured the welterweight title by defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322.
  • Ian Garry solidified his contender status with a unanimous decision win over Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar.

Islam Makhachev is one of the most dominant champions in the UFC, entering his welterweight reign after establishing elite status at lightweight. The Dagestani star now faces a hungry 170-pound division eager for a shot at his newly earned title. Ian Garry has emerged as one of the main frontrunners for that opportunity. According to popular insider Alvaro Colmenero, the fight may be targeted for UFC 330.

Makhachev made an immediate statement in the 170-pound division by dominating former champion Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 to capture the welterweight belt. Just a few days after that title change, Garry delivered his own defining moment in the division. He defeated former champion Belal Muhammad via unanimous decision at UFC Qatar, strengthening his position as a leading title contender.

Garry has become increasingly vocal about waiting for Makhachev, positioning himself as the next challenger for the title. He has also been active on social media, repeatedly targeting the Dagestani champion to build pressure around the matchup. While Michael Morales was previously rumored as a potential opponent, Colmenero now reports that Garry vs Makhachev is being targeted for UFC 330.

I said it a while back, but the fight that’s being negotiated is Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Garry, according to my sources. Morales is already out of this title shot. Presumably it’ll be in August in Philadelphia, at UFC 330, though Islam has already pointed toward the IFW in some message.

Alvaro Colmenero’s post translated to English via X

However, after his win at UFC 322, Makhachev had spoken about potentially facing former champion Kamaru Usman, pointing to his dominance in the 170-pound division during his title reign. The matchup has also been pushed within managerial circles. Their common manager, Ali Abdelaziz, expressed interest in the fight as a viable option for Makhachev’s next step, citing the former champion’s experience.

If the matchup materializes, it would represent a renewed version of the Dagestan vs Ireland rivalry. The original clash was first seen in Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Conor McGregor at UFC 229, one of the sport’s most intense rivalries. Makhachev is closely connected to Nurmagomedov through their Dagestani roots, continuing that competitive lineage. On the other side, Garry has cited McGregor as an inspiration.

Colmenero is regarded as one of the most trusted MMA insiders due to his accurate reporting on UFC developments. He correctly predicted Alexander Volkanovski’s return in 2026 at UFC 325 in February. He also reported that Ilia Topuria would not return on the inaugural Paramount+ card despite rumors. With that track record, his claim linking Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry for UFC 330 carries added credibility.

Former rival hints at Islam Makhachev retiring in the next few years

Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan first fought in 2019 at UFC Fight Night 149 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It was Tsarukyan’s UFC debut on short notice against a rising prospect in Makhachev. The fight was competitive, with Makhachev’s grappling and control edging out Tsarukyan’s defense and striking moments. Makhachev won via unanimous decision, though Tsarukyan earned respect for his performance.

Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev (via X)

Tsarukyan earned another shot at Makhachev after rising as a top lightweight contender, with a rematch scheduled for UFC 311. However, just days before the fight, he withdrew due to a back injury, canceling the title bout. The setback delayed one of the division’s most anticipated matchups. More than a year later, Tsarukyan was asked again about the fight, leading to a surprising admission about Makhachev.

Not really, because he’s gonna retire I think in two fights. One or two fights and he’s gone. So, about me, I’m gonna take over this sport in one year.

Arman Tsarukyan via FULL SEND podcast

Islam Makhachev is now 34 and continues to rely on his experience as a two-division champion to stay dominant in MMA. He has faced elite opposition for years and carried that composure into his welterweight reign after UFC 322. That win moved him to 16 straight UFC victories, tying Anderson Silva’s UFC record. However, it remains unclear how long he will continue competing at the top level.

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