Morning Report | Ian Machado Garry sees parallels between his fight with Islam Makhachev and Conor McGregor beating Jose Aldo

Ian Machado Garry is drawing historical parallels between his upcoming welterweight title shot against Islam Makhachev and Conor McGregor's dominant featherweight championship victory over Jose Aldo. Garry will challenge the pound-for-pound number-one fighter Makhachev on August 15 at UFC 330 in Philadelphia in what represents his first UFC title fight.

The Dublin native has long been compared to fellow Irishman McGregor, a comparison Garry now embraces as he prepares for his title bid. Just as McGregor knocked out the previously undefeated Aldo in 13 seconds to claim his first UFC crown, Garry believes a victory over Makhachev—currently riding a 16-fight winning streak tied for the UFC record—would cement his status as an undeniable great. A win would also make Garry only the second Irish champion in UFC history, joining McGregor.

Makhachev arrives as an overwhelming favourite. The 29-1 fighter is a two-weight division champion with the most lightweight title defenses in history. He moved up to welterweight and claimed that title as well, establishing himself as one of the sport's all-time elite. Garry, however, refuses to accept defeat, insisting he is "too good" and that "divine guidance" will carry him to victory. He acknowledges Makhachev's suffocating wrestling and grappling but emphasizes his own skill and determination.

Garry told High Performance that facing the sport's consensus best fighter eliminates any excuses: "When I beat him, there can be no doubt. When I beat him, it is undeniable that I am great." The welterweight title fight headlines UFC 330, with a women's strawweight title bout between Mackenzie Dern and Gillian Robertson also on the card.