This Saturday, UFC 330 headlines with Islam Makhachev defending his welterweight championship against top contender Ian Garry. The Dagestani champion will enter the matchup confidently, while Garry has spent the past year repeatedly calling out Makhachev publicly.
Garry believes their showdown could become Ireland versus Dagestan 2, continuing the rivalry started between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor. Throughout their buildup, Garry has consistently attempted to provoke Makhachev, creating additional tension surrounding an already highly anticipated championship contest.

However, Makhachev appears unfazed by Garry’s trash talk and remains focused on proving his superiority inside the Octagon this Saturday. ‘He acts like he’s a bad guy, tries to do too much interviews. The crowd is gonna be on my side because nobody likes my opponent. We will make him humble,” said Islam Makhachev via UFC.
Islam Makhachev says the crowd will be rooting for him because nobody likes Ian Garry 💀
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 10, 2026
“He acts like he’s a bad guy, tries to do too much interviews. The crowd is gonna be on my side because nobody likes my opponent. We will make him humble.”
(via @ufc) pic.twitter.com/E3cGm37cvm
Garry has mentioned that the hate he receives on social media is manufactured rather than authentic and driven by narratives manufactured online. He also believes his recent opponents have been significantly tougher than the competition Makhachev has faced throughout his recent run.

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Top welterweight predicts Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Garry at UFC 330
Islam Makhachev has remained undefeated in his last 16 fights, equaling Anderson Silva’s record while establishing himself among UFC’s greatest champions. Heading into the fight, Makhachev aims to surpass Silva’s record and maintain his dominant form. As expected, several professional fighters have closely followed the highly anticipated matchup, offering their predictions.
Top welterweight contender Carlos Prates has also shared his prediction, surprisingly siding with Ian Garry despite previously fighting and losing against him. “UFC 330. Ian Garry is gonna beat Makhachev by decision. I don’t know if it’s a unanimous or split decision,” said Carlos Prates via UFC.
Carlos Prates predicts Ian Garry will beat Islam Makhachev by decision 👀 pic.twitter.com/d0aRonjdOL
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 9, 2026
Carlos Prates is currently ranked #1 in the welterweight rankings and is expected to fight for the title next. Makhachev has already talked about finishing Garry and then taking care of Prates in his next outing.
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