Ian Machado Garry Explains Why He Places Islam Makhachev on a 'Pedestal' Before UFC 300
Ian Machado Garry is elevating Islam Makhachev, labeling him as the greatest fighter of all time.
Garry is slated to headline UFC 300 this Saturday in Chicago, competing for the welterweight title. Entering the bout as a significant underdog, Garry acknowledges that Makhachev's perceived invincibility is the reason. This challenge, however, excites Garry, who aims to defeat Makhachev to solidify his own standing.
"If anything, I'm deliberately putting him on a pedestal," Garry stated to MMA Fighting. "I afford him more respect than others because it's been earned and is deserved. I place him on a pedestal as the current best fighter on the planet until proven otherwise. That's precisely the opponent I wish to overcome to become world champion."
A victory for Garry over Makhachev would be considered a major upset and a definitive statement win. Nevertheless, the Irishman recognizes the immense difficulty of the task, understanding that Makhachev holds the pound-for-pound top spot for valid reasons.
Ian Machado Garry Seeks a Violent Encounter with Islam Makhachev
Leading up to UFC 300, Islam Makhachev has expressed his intent to finish Ian Machado Garry convincingly.
However, Garry is confident in his abilities and believes he can achieve victory, and in a spectacular fashion.
"I believe Islam is more than prepared for 25 minutes of violence," Garry commented. "He's a fighter who poses a threat in every round. He should feel confident; he should feel capable of getting the job done because he's done everything to warrant that feeling. Yet, fights aren't that straightforward, and when he steps across the octagon from me on August 16th, I have my own strategies. I have my own predictions for who will win. That's what everyone will be tuning in to discover."
Garry enters UFC 300 with a professional record of 17 wins and 1 loss, coming off a decision victory against Belal Muhammad.
Do you anticipate Ian Machado Garry defeating Islam Makhachev?
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