Dana White said Ian Machado Garry was being overlooked before challenging Islam Makhachev for the UFC welterweight title at UFC 330.
White first described the stakes for Garry, who had an opportunity to interrupt Makhachev’s record chase:
“When you talk about everything that’s on the line for Islam this weekend, you know, breaking Anderson Silva’s record — he holds a ton of records in the UFC already — and if Ian Garry can come in and beat him, I mean, it’s — this is Ian Garry’s biggest fight ever. I mean, this is huge for him.”
The interviewer noted Garry’s height, reach, striking and takedown defense before asking whether the challenger had been disrespected.
“Yeah, I don’t think disrespected, but yeah, he’s definitely being overlooked, which is crazy. He beat Belal Muhammad.”
White Calls Garry The Immediate Spoiler Threat
Asked whether he saw a path to victory for Garry, White answered:
“Absolutely. Absolutely. In my opinion, you know, he’s the number one contender right now, but he is the most dangerous guy right now for Islam, especially with what Islam’s looking at right now. I mean, there’s potential GOAT talk for this kid. He breaks Anderson Silva’s record on Saturday, and the list goes on and on. It’s one of those fights that’s set up for a spoiler.”
Garry earned his title opportunity after rebuilding from the lone loss of his professional career and defeating former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad. Makhachev entered UFC 330 pursuing another defense and a place in the promotion’s longest-winning-streak discussion.
The main event was scheduled for five rounds at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, with both fighters making championship weight. Mackenzie Dern’s strawweight defense against Gillian Robertson was set as the co-main event. Max Holloway warned against dismissing Garry, while Dustin Poirier compared Makhachev’s streak with Anderson Silva’s.
