Ian Machado Garry will have the opportunity to make history in Brazilian MMA at UFC 330 , scheduled for next Saturday (15). The Irishman faces Islam Makhachev in the main event and, if victorious, could prevent the Russian from surpassing Anderson Silva 's record of 16 consecutive wins . And as a bonus, 'The Future' could become the first 'Brazilian' to win the UFC welterweight (up to 77 kg) belt.
Although Irish, Ian Garry has a strong connection to Brazil and could represent the green and yellow flag in the world's most famous octagon. The fighter is married to journalist Layla Anna-Lee, from whom he inherited the surname 'Machado', has an Irish-Brazilian son, communicates in Portuguese, and represents the São Paulo-based Chute Boxe Diego Lima team, alongside Charles do Bronx.
Ian Garry 's roots in Brazil are so strong that the fighter even requested a CPF (Brazilian tax identification number) to confirm his nationality after his victory over Carlos Prates at UFC Kansas in April 2025.
Could Ian Machado Garry represent Brazil?
Although born in Ireland, Ian Machado Garry can be considered Brazilian if he obtains Brazilian nationality. The Federal Constitution recognizes as native-born Brazilians, among other circumstances, those born abroad to a Brazilian father or mother who are registered with a competent Brazilian authority or who subsequently opt for Brazilian nationality.
Foreigners can acquire nationality through naturalization, provided they meet the requirements stipulated by law. In Garry's case, the fighter can seek naturalization through ordinary channels, as he meets the legal requirements, such as communicating in Portuguese and having no criminal record. Furthermore, being married to a Brazilian, the minimum residency period in the country can be reduced to one year.
Brazil has never had a champion in the welterweight division.
Despite being one of the most traditional countries in UFC history, Brazil has never managed to produce a champion in the welterweight division. This is because, of the six Brazilians who have competed for the title in this category, all have ended up being defeated inside the octagon.
- Jorge Patino Macaco (1999)He was the first Brazilian to attempt a title in the division (which at the time was called lightweight). He faced the inaugural champion Pat Miletich at UFC 18, but ended up losing by unanimous decision.
- André Pederneiras (1999): The legendary leader of the Nova União team faced the same Pat Miletich months later at UFC 21. The fight was stopped by the doctor in the second round due to a cut, resulting in a technical knockout in favor of the American.
- Thiago 'Pitbull' Alves (2009): Now a coach at American Top Team, the fighter challenged Georges St-Pierre for the title at the historic UFC 100. The fighter from Ceará was ultimately defeated by the Canadian via unanimous decision after five dominant rounds.
- Demian Maia (2017): After an impressive winning streak, the jiu-jitsu specialist got his title shot at UFC 214 against Tyron woodleyDemian was ultimately frustrated by the American's excellent takedown defense and lost by unanimous decision.
- Rafael dos Anjos (2018): Former lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg), Dos Anjos moved up a weight class and fought for the interim welterweight title at UFC 225 against the American. Colby covingtonHe was ultimately defeated by a unanimous decision of the judges.
- Gilbert Durinho (2021): The last Brazilian to have the opportunity to compete for the welterweight title was Gilbert DurinhoOn that occasion, the Jiu-Jitsu world champion faced Kamaru Usman No. UFC 258 He even managed to wobble the Nigerian early in the fight, but ended up being knocked out in the third round.
Without knowing what it's like to have a Brazilian champion in the division, Brazil has a good chance of conquering the top of the welterweight division in the short term. Besides the 'loaned' Ian Machado Garry , Carlos Prates and Gabriel Marretinha are also gaining momentum and approaching the elite of the category.
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