Ian Machado Garry says a “burning desire” to prove himself against the world’s best is driving him ahead of his first UFC title opportunity against Islam Makhachev at UFC 330.
The Irish welterweight contender will challenge Makhachev for the UFC 170-pound championship in the main event on Aug. 15 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, with Garry looking to claim the title against the 28-1 champion.
“I just have a burning desire inside my soul to prove to myself and the world that I am the best ever,” Garry said in a pre-fight promotional video shared by Paramount+, as noted by Sherdog. “This is a vicious, violent game. And it’s beautiful. You’ve got to be insane mentally to be able to go out and do this.”
Garry also pointed to his Dublin roots and Ireland’s fighting tradition as a source of motivation. “I’m a fighter at heart,” Garry said. “I’m born and bred in Dublin, Ireland. We’re called the fighting Irish for a reason. It’s in our blood. It’s in our bones. It’s in our soul. Every time we fight, we show up. We fight, and we fight our asses off.”
The 28-year-old will now attempt to translate that confidence into victory when he meets Makhachev in Philadelphia. “Every time you watch me fight, I represent that tricolor,” Garry sadded. “You have to be 110% confident.”
Garry enters the championship bout with a 17-1 professional record and as a betting underdog against Makhachev, who holds a 28-1 record heading into the UFC 330 main event.
