UFC welterweight Ian Machado Garry is set to compete at UFC 330, where his fight against two-division champion Islam Makhachev is framed by a broader conflict between promoters Eddie Hearn and Dana White. Garry, 28, signed with Matchroom Chairman Eddie Hearn, a known rival of UFC and ZUFFA Boxing head Dana White.
A victory for Garry could position Hearn with two UFC champions in his stable, a scenario likely to displease UFC leadership. This follows Hearn's signing of UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall as a strategic move after White reportedly secured longtime Matchroom fighter Conor Benn. Benn is scheduled to fight Ryan Garcia on September 12.
Garry views his potential win over Makhachev as a way to support Hearn's interests and a significant step for his own brand, particularly in the European market. "For me, it was an absolute no-brainer," Garry stated regarding his partnership with Hearn, citing Matchroom's established success in the region.
He emphasized the importance of respecting business partners and highlighted the positive dynamic within the Hearn family and their agency. Garry believes the signing with Matchroom at this juncture is crucial for growing his name and attracting wider attention to his fights.
UFC 330 is scheduled to take place at the Xfinity Arena in Philadelphia. Garry will face Makhachev, a teammate of Khabib Nurmagomedov and a formidable grappler. Makhachev, who moved up from the lightweight division, aims to secure his 17th consecutive win in the octagon and defend his 170-pound title.
The bout is anticipated to be highly competitive, with Garry being an underdog despite recent victories over Carlos Prates and Shavkat Rakhmonov. The outcome could have implications beyond the fighters, potentially influencing the promotional landscape shaped by White and Hearn.