Ian Garry targets Islam Makhachev upset to eclipse McGregor

Ian Garry believes a win over Islam Makhachev will position him as the new standard-bearer for Irish mixed martial arts, surpassing Conor McGregor's record for most UFC victories by a fighter from Ireland.

Garry meets Makhachev in the main event of UFC 330 on Aug. 15 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. The welterweight challenger, per Sherdog, told a Matchroom Talent Agency promotional event that victory would give him 11 UFC wins — one more than McGregor's current total of 10. "With my next fight, I'll be the most victorious Irishman in UFC history," he said.

Garry wants UFC return to Dublin

McGregor fights at UFC 329 before Garry's title shot, meaning both men are tied at 10 wins entering their respective bouts. Garry stopped short of claiming he would eclipse McGregor's broader legacy, but framed himself as leading a second generation of Irish fighters and called for the promotion to book an event in Dublin. "I want to bring them back to Croke Park. I want to bring them back to Dublin," he said. "These fans deserve it."

Garry has carried Ireland's flag through the UFC ranks since McGregor's extended absence from active competition. A victory over Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion and one of the sport's most dominant grapplers, would represent the signature win of his career and potentially accelerate his pursuit of a homecoming stadium show.

UFC 330 takes place Aug. 15 in Philadelphia.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Ian Garry: I’ll surpass Conor McGregor in Irish MMA by beating Islam Makhachev