Dana White claims Ian Machado Garry is being 'overlooked' ahead of Islam Makhachev fight

Ian Machado Garry is gearing up to dethrone Islam Makhachev and capture the welterweight title in the UFC 330 main event. The fight will take place at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia this Saturday night.

Garry seems fully prepared and has shown confidence that he can get the job done at UFC 330 during his interviews ahead of the fight. However, many are counting out his chances against Makhachev, pointing to the Dagestani star's previous dominant performances and elite grappling skills.

Now, UFC CEO Dana White has weighed in on the ongoing discussion about Garry's chances against Makhachev. He suggested that the Irish star could be a more dangerous challenge for the pound-for-pound king than many people realize.

Dana White calls Ian Machado Garry dangerous challenge for Islam Makhachev

In his recent appearance on TMZ Sports, White was asked whether Garry is being disrespected or overlooked against Makhachev. White pushed back on that belief and shared that the challenger has not received enough respect from fans and the MMA community heading into UFC 330.

“If Ian Garry can come in and beat him, this is Ian Garry’s biggest fight ever,” White said. “This is huge for him. I don’t think (he’s being) disrespected, but he’s definitely being overlooked, which is crazy”
 
White went further, describing the Irishman as the most dangerous opponent Makhachev could currently face, highlighting the challenger’s victory over former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad.

“He beat Belal Muhammad. In my opinion, he is the most dangerous guy right now for Islam,” he added.

Check out Dana White’s comments below (3:29):

Garry has suffered just one loss in his professional career, which came in December 2024 against undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov. He has 17 victories to his name and has proved his doubters wrong time and time again. Now, he has another opportunity to silence his doubters when he takes on Makhachev for the welterweight title at UFC 330.

Recently, Makhachev’s former opponent, UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, shared his take on the UFC 330 headliner and revealed his prediction.

Alexander Volkanovski predicts Ian Machado Garry vs. Islam Makhachev

Alexander Volkanovski has faced Makhachev twice in his career. He lost by decision in their first fight and was knocked out in the rematch. He has spent time in the octagon with the Dagestani star and has now offered his assessment while predicting how his fight against Garry could play out.

In his recent YouTube video, the featherweight champion predicted a submission victory for the welterweight champion. However, he acknowledged the threats Garry will present in the UFC 330 main event.

"I think Islam is gonna get the win. He can definitely get the submission finish. I think he can get it to the ground. I can see Ian Garry having success in some of the stand-up, some of the wall work stuff." Volkanovski said. "I think he'll mix it up, trying to stay very low... He's gonna have to play a boring style to be effective and try to do it for 25 minutes. I'm gonna have to go Islam. I think he eventually gets it down; he'll win rounds because of that, and not only that, he can get the finish."