Ian Machado Garry vows to be better UFC welterweight champ than Makhachev

Ian Machado Garry fires up ahead of UFC 330 title clash with Islam Makhachev

Ian Machado Garry insists the UFC welterweight division will thrive under his reign, calling out Islam Makhachev’s slow title defenses and vowing to bring more activity to the sport. Machado Garry (17-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) challenges Makhachev (28-1 MMA, 17-1 UFC) for the 170-pound title at UFC 330 on **August 15** at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, live on Paramount+.

What did Ian Machado Garry say?

Machado Garry told *The Ariel Helwani Show* the welterweight division is the best it’s ever been-and it will get even better under his leadership. “It’s a fact, in my opinion, that when I’m the champion of the world, the welterweight division is better off,” he said. “Firstly, Islam only fights once a year. So his next defense might be in July 2027.”

He pointed to potential matchups like a rematch with Shavkat Rakhmonov and fights against Carlos Prates, Michael Morales, and Gabriel Bonfim as proof the division will stay stacked. “The fans, everybody, I’m promising you now, it’s the best thing for the sport,” he added.

Why it matters for Ian Machado Garry

Machado Garry respects Makhachev’s accolades but believes beating him will make his claim undeniable. “There is nobody else I would want to beat to prove that I’m the champion of the world,” he said. “He’s earned the title as the pound-for-pound No. 1 on the planet right now. That’s the guy I want to take out.”

He framed the fight as a chance to prove he’s not just the best welterweight-but arguably the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter on the planet. The stakes couldn’t be higher: a win would cap his rise from Irish prospect to undisputed king of the welterweight division.

What comes next?

The welterweight division is already the deepest in MMA, with contenders like Sean Brady and Uros Medic pushing for title shots. Machado Garry’s camp argues his reign would spark more high-level fights, more activity, and more fan engagement.

UFC 330 is set for August 15 in Philadelphia. The main event pits Machado Garry against Makhachev in a clash of styles-and a battle for the future of the welterweight division. The fight will air live on Paramount+.

*This report is based on statements from Ian Machado Garry and reflects his pre-fight posture ahead of UFC 330.*