Ian Machado Garry Explains His Strategic 'Pedestal' Placement for Islam Makhachev Ahead of UFC 330

Ian Machado Garry is positioning Islam Makhachev as the undisputed greatest fighter of all time leading up to their bout.

Garry is scheduled to headline UFC 330 this Saturday in Chicago for the welterweight championship. As a significant underdog, Garry acknowledges that Makhachev's perceived invincibility is the reason for his current standing. This challenge is precisely what motivates Garry; he aims to defeat Makhachev to validate his own exceptional abilities.

“If anything, I deliberately place him on a pedestal,” Garry stated to MMA Fighting. “I show him more respect than others because that respect is earned and deserved. I elevate him to the status of the best fighter on the planet right now, until someone proves otherwise. This is because he is the opponent I wish to defeat to become world champion.”

A victory for Garry over Makhachev would undoubtedly be an upset and a definitive statement win. However, the Irishman is realistic about the immense difficulty of the task, recognizing that Makhachev holds the pound-for-pound top spot for valid reasons.

Ian Machado Garry Seeks a Violent Encounter with Islam Makhachev

Leading into UFC 330, Islam Makhachev has expressed his intention to finish Ian Machado Garry with ease.

Despite this, Garry remains confident in his skillset and believes he can achieve victory, and do so in a highly aggressive manner.

“I believe Islam is more than ready for 25 minutes of combat,” Garry remarked. “He is a dangerous fighter in every round. He should feel confident, believing he can win because he has done everything to justify that feeling. However, fights are not that straightforward. When he steps across the octagon from me on August 16th, I have my own strategies and predictions for the outcome. That’s what everyone will be tuning in to discover.”

Garry enters UFC 330 with an impressive record of 17 wins and 1 loss, and is coming off a decision victory against Belal Muhammad.

Do you anticipate Ian Machado Garry defeating Islam Makhachev?