Ian Garry: Beating Islam Makhachev would make greatness undeniable

Ian Garry says defeating Islam Makhachev at UFC 330 would make his greatness impossible to dispute.

The Irish welterweight challenges Makhachev for the 170-pound title on Aug. 15 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. Garry told High Performance that he recognizes the scale of the task, calling Makhachev the top fighter in mixed martial arts today and ticking through his credentials: a 29-1 record, two-division champion, the most lightweight defenses in UFC history, and a share of the longest active win streak in company history.

Garry confident his arsenal can dethrone welterweight champion

Despite his respect for Makhachev's resume, Garry believes his own skill set is enough to take the belt. "When I beat him, there can be no doubt," he said, per Sherdog. "When I beat him, it is undeniable that I am great."

The Irishman noted that if Makhachev wins, he will hold the outright record for consecutive UFC victories, making the champion's accomplishments even more formidable. But Garry said pulling off the upset would erase any remaining questions about where he stands in the sport.

Makhachev captured the welterweight title after dominating the lightweight division, and a win over Garry would extend his run at the top. For Garry, the opposite outcome would represent a career-defining statement heading into the second half of 2026.

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• Sherdog — Ian Garry explains how beating Islam Makhachev would change his legacy