Philadelphia — Ian Machado Garry expects to change the minds of fans, many of whom appear to be siding with welterweight champ Islam Makhachev, at UFC 330 on Saturday.
And it appears he knows just how he’s going to do it.
Garry (17-1), the outspoken Irish star, represents Makhachev’s first title defense at 170lbs. And during Thursday’s pre-fight press conference, “The Future” boldly predicted that “Saturday night, that belt’s strapped around my waist, and every single one of you is going to change. It’s going to be ‘let’s go Garry’ chants. I love you too.”
As to how he plans to do it, “Master manipulation. That’s what it’s called. Movement at the highest level, it’s call master manipulation. I move, I choose shots, I force him where I want him to be, and then I take my time to choose the right shots.”
Garry, who has been known to get under his opponents’ skin ahead of fights, kept things complimentary and professional during the UFC 330 Fight Week. That was on display once again on Thursday.
“Islam’s a phenomenal talent, he’s a phenomenal athlete. Nobody gets to this level of respect where he’s got this streak by look. It’s pure skill, I have nothing but respect for his skillset, everything he’s done in this sport,” stated Garry. “And I’m proud, I’m proud that I get to compete against him to prove that I’m the champion. That’s an honor, and I’m excited.”
As to Makhachev suggesting Garry is Brazilian (he’s trained extensively in the country) rather than Irish, the challenger took it in stride. “Listen, if he wants to call me Brazilian, I’ll carry that badge no problem. The Brazilians in this sport have some of the greatest resumes in this sport. The Brazilian UFC fans, they know this.”
Demian Maia, Charles Oliveira, Jose Aldo, Anderson Silva. Garry rattled them all off. “Legends of the game. So if he considers me Brazilian, I’ll take that with pride. But I’m born and bred in Dublin, Ireland. This fight, this is between me and him, this is two of the greatest fighters on the planet going face-to-face for the most important title in the world. It’s that welterweight title on the line. He’s the number one pound-for-pound fighter on the planet, I’m the number one contender, this is the biggest fight of the year, and I’m so ready for it.”
Calling Makhachev the greatest martial artist walking the planet at the moment, Garry added that “When I beat him, you’ll all shut your f*cking mouths, and you’ll call me great.”
UFC 330 is headlined by Islam Makhachev and Ian Machado Garry for the UFC welterweight championship, and takes place this Saturday, August 15, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA.
