Ian Machado Garry puts Islam Makhachev "on a pedestal" ahead of UFC 330

Ahead of his title fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 330, Ian Machado Garry has no problem putting his opponent on a pedestal. In fact, the Irish welterweight believes that's exactly where the Russian two-division champion belongs. While acknowledging Makhachev is the best fighter on the planet, Garry says that is precisely the kind of champion he wants to beat to become a UFC champion.

Ian Machado Garry Sees Islam Makhachev as Best Fighter on the Planet

Unsurprisingly, Garry considers Makhachev the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet. The Russian is a former UFC lightweight champion and is now set to make his first title defense after winning the welterweight belt. With their fight around the corner, Garry is looking to be the one to dethrone Makhachev.

"If anything, I put him on a pedestal on purpose," Garry told MMA Fighting. "I give him more respect than others because it's earned and deserved. I put him on a pedestal as the best fighter walking the planet right now until proven otherwise. Because that's the person I want to beat to become champion of the world."

Ian Machado Garry Expects Islam Makhachev to Be Ready for War

Garry is also expecting a difficult fight against the champion. While acknowledging that Makhachev is a well-rounded fighter who poses a threat in every round, the Irishman also believes the Russian has every reason to be confident given everything he has accomplished. However, Garry insists he has his own plans for how the fight will unfold.

"I think Islam is more than prepared for 25 minutes of violence," Garry said. "He is a man who is dangerous in every round. He should feel confident. He should feel like he can get the job done because he's done everything to warrant that feeling. However, the fights aren't that simple and when he steps across the Octagon from me on Aug. 16, I have my own plans. I have my own ideas on who's going to win."

Ian Machado Garry has One Goal

Since joining the UFC, Garry has been on a strong run, compiling a 10-1 record inside the Octagon. Now, the Irish fighter faces the biggest challenge of his career as he finally gets his shot at the title. According to Garry, he has only one mission and that means becoming UFC champion.

"There has been nothing else," Garry said. "No other focus. No other drive. No other goals. I want to be champion of the world. When you're the UFC champion, you are considered one of the greatest fighters on the planet. That is what I want."

With Makhachev standing between Garry and his championship ambitions, the Irishman knows he will have to defeat one of the most accomplished fighters in the UFC to achieve his goal. For Garry, however, that's precisely what makes this matchup so important.