Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has stated that Ian Machado Garry is just one victory away from becoming "arguably the biggest name in the UFC." This comes as Machado Garry prepares to challenge Islam Makhachev for the welterweight title.
The highly anticipated bout is set to headline UFC 330 in Philadelphia on August 15. Machado Garry, 28, faces a significant test against Makhachev, 34, who is currently the UFC's pound-for-pound No 1 fighter and boasts a 28-1 professional record.
Hearn, whose Matchroom Talent Agency signed Machado Garry in June, expressed confidence in the Irish challenger. He told The Independent that Machado Garry is "one of the most mentally-assured and confident people I’ve ever met."
Machado Garry's professional record stands at 10-1, with his sole defeat being a points loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov in late 2024. He has since secured two consecutive points victories, including a win over former champion Belal Muhammad in November.