Ian Machado Garry, nicknamed "The Future," is set to challenge Islam Makhachev for the UFC welterweight title on Saturday, August 13, 2026, at Philadelphia's Xfinity Mobile Arena. Garry has the opportunity to become Ireland's second UFC champion but must overcome the defending champion, Makhachev, who is widely regarded as one of the sport's most accomplished fighters.

Garry holds a notable size advantage with a five-inch height and four-inch reach edge over Makhachev. Despite this, the Irishman enters the fight as a heavy underdog against the Dagestani champion. Garry expressed confidence and determination, stating, "I knew from the moment I started this sport, I knew the talent that I had, and I knew that with all the talent, the discipline, the sacrifice, and the hard work that I knew I would put in, I knew I would get here."

He acknowledged Makhachev's established legacy, saying, "His legacy is set in stone... but beating him, it's exactly the challenge I would want to become the champion of the world."

If Garry wins, he will set a new UFC record with 17 consecutive victories. He also noted that most of Makhachev's success has come in the lightweight division, where the champion fought at 15 pounds lighter than the welterweight limit of 170 pounds. Garry said, "For me, to go out there against him, who many consider to be a generational talent... and have that as the challenge that I have to go out and beat to prove, not only I'm the champion of the world, but I really truly am the best on the planet, it's exactly what I want."

The title fight headlines the UFC 330 event in Philadelphia on the night of August 13, 2026.