Watch: Islam Makhachev meets Leo Machado Garry, wholesome interaction with Ian Machado Garry and son before UFC 330
Islam Makhachev and one of his biggest fans, Leo Machado Garry, the son of his UFC 330 opponent Ian Machado Garry, have finally met!
Islam Makhachev has finally met one of his most ardent supporters, Leo Machado Garry, who happens to be the son of his opponent Ian Machado Garry.
The wholesome interaction between Makhachev and the Garrys has come ahead of the high-stakes UFC welterweight championship clash, which will headline UFC 330 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia on Saturday, August 15.
Islam Makhachev meets Leo Machado Garry, son of Ian Machado Garry, after the youngster recently got emotional about wanting to meet him
Islam Makhachev is all set to defend his UFC welterweight belt, vowing to dominantly defeat the challenger Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330. The Dagestani fighter faced off with Garry at the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art, posing for photographs and videos around the famous Rocky steps and Rocky statue in the City of Brotherly Love.
Leo Machado Garry, the son of renowned television presenter Layla Anna-Lee (aka Layla Machado Garry) and UFC star Ian Machado Garry, is known to be a huge fan of Makhachev. Unfortunately, the Dagestan, Russia-born combatant -- seemingly unaware that the child wanted to meet him -- departed after his aforementioned faceoff.
Leo was in tears, as he didn't get to meet his favorite fighter, but his parents consoled him, and Ian promised he'd get to say hello to Makhachev.
Ian Garry’s son cries because he wasn’t able to meet Islam Makhachev
— Dovy🔌 (@DovySimuMMA) August 12, 2026
via @WillHarrisAOAF pic.twitter.com/ht6Ca917QH
The UFC's official YouTube channel has now put forth a YouTube Short, comprising footage of Makhachev finally meeting Leo. The 34-year-old MMA great and Ian partook in an intense faceoff at the UFC 330 ceremonial weigh-ins. Nevertheless, the two fighters appeared to be quite cordial backstage.
Makhachev asked the young fan, "What is your name?" The three-year-old answered, "Leo."
Moreover, Ian Machado Garry chimed in and addressed his son, saying, "Say hello. Say best of luck. Best of health tonight. And say we can't wait to see you tomorrow. Okay? Yeah?"
Makhachev bumped fists with Leo. Meanwhile, Ian seemed to express his gratitude toward Makhachev and his team for agreeing to meet Leo. The 28-year-old said, "Thank you. We appreciate that. Thank you, guys."
Watch the heartwarming meeting between Islam Makhachev and the Garry father-son duo below:
Ian Machado Garry's approach toward his son Leo Machado Garry's fanhood for Islam Makhachev drew a controversial comment from polarizing UFC heavyweight Josh Hokit
On one hand, Ian Machado Garry's approach toward Leo Machado Garry's fanhood for Islam Makhachev has earned the Irishman praise for being respectful of his opponent. Some netizens have hailed Ian for being confident and secure enough to refrain from stopping his child from innocently expressing his appreciation for his father's competitor.
On the other hand, a few detractors have accused Garry of excessive gamesmanship by supposedly utilizing his family to wage covert psychological warfare against Makhachev.
Furthermore, UFC heavyweight contender Josh Hokit drew attention with his opinion, which many deemed to be quite extreme. He courted controversy by threatening to "punt" Leo if Ian tried to get him to shake his hand. Needless to say, the outspoken Hokit's remark elicited considerable condemnation, including from rival and fellow heavyweight Valter Walker.
Ian Machado Garry, on his part, has steered clear of responding to his critics at length for the time being. "The Future" has reaffirmed his focus on dethroning the formidable Makhachev and capturing his maiden UFC title.
