Ian Machado Garry has made it clear that he sees Islam Makhachev as more than just another opponent ahead of their welterweight title matchup at UFC 330 this weekend.
Speaking in a backstage interview with the UFC team, Garry praised Makhachev’s accomplishments and described him as a “generationally special talent,” pointing to the former lightweight champion’s extensive résumé and success inside the Octagon.
“I think Islam is a generationally special talent. I think the respect he has had is because of the hard work in the Octagon and in the gym. He has his resume to speak for itself. The wins, the finishes, the high-level fights. He's absolutely amazing when he gets into the Octagon,” Garry said.
Despite his admiration for Makhachev, Garry believes the Russian’s status as one of the best fighters in the world will only add to the significance of a victory over him.
“It's my job to use him as my example to the world,” Garry said. “If you all believe him to be the greatest fighter on the planet right now — and he is the number one powerful pound fighter in most people's eyes — wait until I beat him, because that energy has to transfer.”
Garry then delivered a confident message about what a victory would mean for his own standing in the sport.
“Ian Machado Garry is great,” he said.
The matchup with Makhachev represents a major opportunity for Garry, who will look to establish himself among the UFC’s elite by defeating a fighter widely regarded as one of the pound-for-pound best in the world.
