Islam Makhachev surprises everyone by saying that Ian Garry is not his toughest opponent; find out why.

Islam Makhachev was a champion in two UFC weight classes. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

Just days before defending his welterweight title (up to 77,1 kg) for the first time in the main event of UFC 330 , Islam Makhachev doesn't seem too worried about the difficulties Ian Garry brings to the fight. Undefeated for over ten years, the Russian surprised everyone by giving a statement during the event's media day last Wednesday (12). According to him, the Irishman's skills don't represent the biggest challenge of his career.

Despite acknowledging his rival's talent, who has only been defeated once and never by knockout, the champion said he sees himself as a more prepared athlete, capable of solving the problems presented by Garry. The only fighter to defeat Makhachev in his entire professional career was the Brazilian Adriano Martins, who knocked him out in the first round in November 2015.

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“It won’t be my biggest challenge. He’s good, I respect him. He has good skills, but everyone knows my game. Let’s see how he’s prepared for this. In the welterweight division, if you look at the last fight (against Jack Della Maddalena ), the style is more boxer-like, but I think Ian has more resources. He’s good at striking and has good takedown defense. But he has some weaknesses. He’s not a 100% complete fighter like me. He’s good. It’s going to be a good fight. I saw that he has good takedown defense. I have some keys to beat him easily,” he stated.

Le face-off between Islam Makhachev (1,78 m) and Ian Garry (1,91 m) 👀

Il y en a un qui ment sur sa taille 😂 pic.twitter.com/VBEcU7peVj

— La Sueur (@LaSueur_off) August 12, 2026

Islam Makhachev has victories over some of the biggest names in world MMA.

Islam Makhachev in victory against Renato Moicano . Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

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With 28 professional wins, Makhachev has already defeated some of the world's top athletes. After defeating names like Arman Tsarukyan early in his UFC career, the Russian became lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) by submitting Charles Oliveira , followed by two wins against Alexander Volkanovski and submissions against Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano . More recently, he overcame Jack Della Maddalena to become the welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg).

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