Garry claims his recent opponents tougher than Makhachev's ahead of UFC 330
Ian Garry told ESPN MMA that the fighters he faced in his last five bouts were more challenging than those of Islam Makhachev, as he prepares for their UFC 330 matchup.
Ian Garry told ESPN MMA that the caliber of his recent opponents exceeds that of Islam Makhachev’s last five adversaries. He cited victories over Belal Muhammad, Shavkat Rakhmonov, Carlos Prates and Michael "Venom" Page as evidence of facing “four of the trickiest fighters on the planet.”
"When you look at who I fought, Belal Muhammad, Shavkat Rakhmonov, Carlos Prates, Michael ‘Venom’ Page, those four are four of the trickiest fighters on the planet. All of them present real, real danger," Garry said.
He contrasted those fighters with Makhachev’s recent opponents—Jack Della Maddalena, Renato Moicano, Dustin Poirier and Alexander Volkanovski—arguing they are “not as dangerous” and noting a size advantage in his own match-ups. Garry added that Rakhmonov entered his bout with an 18-0 record and a high finish rate, while Prates had an 11-fight knockout streak.
"I’ve been fighting the highest level of MMA fights against the toughest opponents," Garry concluded.
Addressing criticism on social media, Garry claimed the negativity is fabricated and said he receives only positive reactions when traveling.
"It’s all fake. It’s all on social media, and it’s all fake… I’m met with nothing but joy and love and appreciation," he said.
The Irish-born fighter will meet Makhachev on Aug. 15 at UFC 330 in what he describes as the biggest test of his career.