Ian Machado Garry targets Islam Makhachev at UFC 330

Ian Machado Garry has declared his intention to end Islam Makhachev's title reign during their welterweight championship bout at UFC 330. The Irishman stated his goal is to put a hole in the head of the Dagestani fighter to secure the belt.

The two fighters will compete in the main event in Philadelphia next Saturday, August 15. Garry earned this first title opportunity following victories over Carlos Prates at UFC Kansas City and Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar in 2025. These wins served as a recovery for the Dubliner after his first professional loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov in 2024.

Garry expressed that he views it as an honor to follow the path of great fighters at Chute Boxe. He noted that he has a duty to win the fight and bring the championship belt back to his team. Despite facing criticism from fans and scrutiny regarding his personal life, the challenger remains focused on handing Makhachev his first defeat in ten years.

Makhachev entered this title defense after becoming the eleventh two-division champion in UFC history by defeating Jack Della Maddalena nine months ago. While Garry was previously dominated by the champion, he intends to perform differently in this upcoming encounter against the elite grappler.

UFC 330 will feature two title fights. Mackenzie Dern is scheduled to defend her strawweight title against Gillian Robertson before the main event between Makhachev and Garry.