Garry On What Drives Him Before Makhachev Fight

Ian Garry says a burning desire to prove himself as the best fighter in the world drives him into his first UFC title shot against Islam Makhachev at UFC 330 on Saturday night.

The Irish welterweight contender discussed his motivation in a pre-fight video released by Paramount+, per Sherdog. Garry faces Makhachev for the 170-pound championship in the main event at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.

Garry Channels Irish Fighting Heritage Before UFC 330

"I just have a burning desire inside my soul to prove to myself and the world that I am the best ever," Garry said in the promotional footage. "This is a vicious, violent game. And it's beautiful. You've got to be insane mentally to be able to go out and do this."

Garry emphasized his country's fighting tradition as a core part of his identity. "I'm a fighter at heart. I'm born and bred in Dublin, Ireland. We're called the fighting Irish for a reason. It's in our blood. It's in our bones. It's in our soul," he said, per the report.

The Irishman enters the bout as a significant betting underdog against the Russian champion. Garry carries a 17-1 record into Saturday while Makhachev stands at 28-1. The champion won the welterweight title last year with a victory over Jack Della Maddalena in New York and has been based in New Jersey for his second consecutive East Coast training camp.

In recent UFC Embedded footage, Makhachev showed off his fishing hobby between training sessions, reeling in a shark off the New Jersey coastline with teammates. First bell is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET on Paramount+.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Ian Garry reveals what drives him ahead of UFC 330 title fight against Islam Makhachev
• Sherdog — Islam Makhachev reels in shark ahead of UFC 330 title fight