Islam Makhachev has taken another playful shot at Ian Machado Garry’s Irish identity ahead of their highly anticipated welterweight title fight at UFC 330.
Garry, who represents Ireland, has spent significant time training in Brazil and has developed strong connections with Brazilian MMA. He has trained at Chute Boxe and has also embraced aspects of Brazilian culture, including learning Portuguese.
The storyline has added extra spice to the upcoming matchup, with Garry promoting the fight as an Ireland versus Dagestan rivalry reminiscent of the famous rivalry between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Islam Makhachev says Ian Machado Garry is not Irish
During an interview with former UFC champion Daniel Cormier, Makhachev was asked about the Ireland-Dagestan narrative surrounding his fight with Garry.
The UFC champion immediately dismissed the comparison and questioned Garry’s Irish identity.
“Bro, he’s [Garry] not Irish, bro.”
Makhachev then explained his reasoning, pointing to Garry’s Brazilian training, family connections and marriage.
“He speak for Brazil. He train in Brazil. His family from Brazil. Like, I don’t know when the last time in Irish, bro. He train with Brazilian team, finished bro. When he become married, no more Irish.”
Makhachev compares his own Russian identity
Cormier challenged Makhachev’s argument by pointing out that living or training outside one’s home country does not necessarily change their national identity.
Makhachev responded by highlighting his own connection to Russia, saying that he continues to train there, speaks Russian and has family in the country.
“I am Russian. I am training in Russia. Did two camps in Russia. Speak Russian. Family in Russia.”
The exchange further underlined the cultural element surrounding the UFC 330 main event, although the fight itself remains the central focus.
UFC 330 rivalry could become Russia vs. Brazil
Makhachev suggested that the matchup should perhaps be viewed as Russia versus Brazil rather than Russia versus Ireland because of Garry’s strong connection to Brazilian MMA.
He also referenced former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, another Brazilian fighter, while discussing Garry’s training background.
“I think he moved, bro. And you cannot say this Russia against Irish, it’s maybe Russia against Brazil. Again like, with Charles [Oliveira].”
The comments add another layer to an already highly anticipated UFC 330 contest, with Garry looking to make a major statement against one of the most accomplished fighters in the UFC.
Islam Makhachev takes another shot at Charles Oliveira
Makhachev also discussed Charles Oliveira during the interview with Cormier. The Russian star reflected on their UFC 280 lightweight title fight, where he defeated Oliveira by submission.
Makhachev claimed that Oliveira tapped quickly and suggested that the submission victory did not cause serious damage to the Brazilian.
“I respect him, but just I say the truth. When you tap fast, it means, I don’t broke him. I don’t break his arm, I don’t break his neck.”
Oliveira remains one of the most accomplished submission specialists in UFC history and is a former lightweight champion. He currently holds the BMF title and owns the promotion’s record for most submission victories.
UFC 330 adds another chapter to the Makhachev-Garry storyline
The verbal exchanges between Makhachev and Garry have helped build anticipation for UFC 330. While Garry has attempted to frame the contest around the historic Ireland-Dagestan MMA rivalry, Makhachev continues to reject that comparison.
With the welterweight championship at stake, the upcoming fight will ultimately be decided inside the Octagon. The growing verbal rivalry, however, has provided another major storyline for fans ahead of the event.
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