Ian Machado Garry signs with Matchroom ahead of UFC 330

UFC welterweight title challenger Ian Machado Garry has signed with the Matchroom Talent Agency, the agency announced on June 24. The 28-year-old Irish fighter is scheduled to challenge champion Islam Makhachev for the welterweight championship in the main event of UFC 330 on August 15 in Philadelphia.

Garry, who is ranked No. 2 in the UFC's welterweight division, earned his title shot with consecutive victories over former champion Belal Muhammad and then Carlos Prates in November 2025. He stated that signing with Matchroom, a new subsidiary of Matchroom Sports founded by Chairman Eddie Hearn, aligns with his goal of building a legacy beyond the octagon. Hearn expressed strong belief in Garry's potential, predicting he will defeat Makhachev and become a global combat sports star.

Ahead of the championship bout, both fighters have publicly assessed each other. Makhachev, in a recent interview, characterized Garry as a "tricky fighter" who prefers to fight on the backfoot, making opponents chase him. He suggested this style is not particularly entertaining, contrasting it with more aggressive, forward-moving fighters.

Garry has countered by questioning Makhachev's activity level...