Garry Keeps Empty Frame For UFC Belt Ahead Of Makhachev Clash

Ian Machado Garry has an empty picture frame mounted on his wall at home, reserved for the UFC welterweight championship he believes he will take from Islam Makhachev next weekend at UFC 330.

The Irish welterweight contender carries a 10-1 UFC record into his first title shot against Makhachev, who moved up from lightweight to capture the 170-pound strap from Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 last November. Most observers favour the dominant champion, who has not lost in more than a decade, over Garry, whose ground game remains a question mark heading into the clash.

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Garry's Mindset Ahead Of UFC 330 Title Shot

Speaking with his new manager Eddie Hearn, Garry described how he has already visualised winning the belt, according to MMA Mania. The challenger told Hearn he knows exactly where the title will hang once he captures it. "As much as I respect Islam, as much as I know how good he is, and I know how talented he is, I know that I can beat him if I go out there and do what I believe I can do," Garry said, per Instagram footage shared by Hearn.

The display of confidence recalls Conor McGregor's rise, though Garry faces longer odds than McGregor did in most of his early championship pursuits. Makhachev has looked near-flawless across weight classes, while Garry will need to solve grappling problems that have troubled him in past outings.

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UFC 330 takes place next Saturday with the welterweight title fight headlining the card.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Confidence or delusion? Ian Garry keeping empty frame on the wall for welterweight title | UFC 330