Ian Machado Garry (17-1) isn’t looking for a quick knockout when he challenges Islam Makhachev (28-1) for the UFC Welterweight Championship on August 15 in Philadelphia — he wants to make a statement first.
Garry outlined his ideal game plan ahead of the UFC 330 main event. For “The Future,” this is his first shot at a UFC title and he has no intention of leaving any room for doubt.
“My ideal scenario? I want a fourth-round finish. I don’t want any early knockout because then there’s ifs, buts, maybes. ‘Ah, there’s excuses.’ I want four rounds of domination. And in that fourth round, I’m going to tell everybody: I’m going to do it now. And then I’m going to go in there and finish him,” Garry
Garry hasn’t stopped an opponent since May 2023, when he earned a first-round TKO over Daniel Rodriguez via head kick. He’s gone 5-1 since, with all six bouts going the distance. Standing across from him will be the current No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter on the planet.
Makhachev’s only career defeat came way back in 2015 — a first-round knockout loss to Adriano Martins — and he has reeled off 16 consecutive wins since, claiming UFC gold at both lightweight and welterweight.