Islam Makhachev is a former UFC lightweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC India
Islam Makhachev used the final stretch of preparation for UFC 330 to taunt Ian Garry before their fight scheduled for August 15th in Philadelphia (USA). The welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg) dismissed any rivalry between Russia and Ireland, but made a point of mentioning the positive track record of Dagestani fighters against representatives of the European country. Besides Khabib Nurmagomedov 's victory over Conor McGregor , the two-time champion cited Usman Nurmagomedov 's two wins over Paul Hughes in the PFL.
In an interview with the American website MMA Fighting, the Russian stated that he sees Garry as just another opponent, but didn't miss the opportunity to mock the Dagestani fighter's undefeated streak against Irish athletes. He also made it clear that he doesn't see the fight as a rivalry.
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"It's like any other opponent, it's not a confrontation between countries; but, since it's already 2-0, it's going to end 3-0," said Islam Makhachev.
The provocation refers to the recent history between the two countries in MMA. In 2018, Khabib defeated McGregor in the main event of UFC 229, in one of the most memorable fights in the organization's history. While in 2025, Usman got the better of Hughes on two occasions, extending the Russians' advantage.
Now, Makhachev tries to maintain his winning streak against Garry. The two headline the next numbered fight, in a bout that marks the Russian's first title defense in the welterweight division, while the Irishman seeks to win his first title in the organization.
Russia vs. Ireland reignites historic rivalry in the UFC.
Khabib Nurmagomedov (left) faces Conor McGregor (right). Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC.
UFC 330 will feature a main event: the welterweight title fight between Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry . Beyond the title bout, the fight also revives a rivalry that marked one of the most emblematic periods in the organization's recent history: Russia versus Ireland.
A disciple of Khabib Nurmagomedov and the leading representative of the Dagestani fighting school today, Makhachev carries on the legacy left by the former undefeated lightweight champion. On the other side, Garry emerges as the main Irish star of the new generation and seeks to repeat the prominence that Conor McGregor brought to the country during his meteoric rise in the event.
Although lacking the personal rivalry that marked the historic confrontation between Khabib and McGregor, the duel puts Russia and Ireland back in the spotlight of the UFC. This time, in addition to national pride, the welterweight title and a prominent position at the highest level of the sport will be at stake.
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