Ian Machado Garry Trains in Brazil to Sharpen Skills for UFC 330

Ian Machado Garry heads to Brazil to train with grappling legend Demian Maia as he prepares for his UFC 330 welterweight title challenge on 15 Aug 2026 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.

Why did Garry choose Brazil?

Garry, a 17-1 Irish prospect, split his camp between Ireland, England and Brazil. He said the move was driven by a desire to learn from the greatest grappler in MMA history. "Training with Demian Maia is a no-brainer," he told Spinnin Backfist, emphasizing that no Irish fighter has matched Maia’s jiu-jitsu pedigree. The Brazilian base offers daily immersion in elite-level grappling, something Garry believes will close the gap against his upcoming opponent.

Who is the opponent?

The fight pits Garry against Islam Makhachev, a 28-1 Russian powerhouse who holds the UFC welterweight belt. Makhachev’s record reflects his dominance, and the matchup has been billed as a clash of styles: Garry’s striking and evolving ground game versus Makhachev’s relentless pressure and wrestling. The bout is the main event of UFC 330, a marquee night that could cement Garry’s place among the sport’s elite.

What other gyms shaped Garry’s preparation?

Before Brazil, Garry spent time at Kill Cliff FC in Florida under Henri Hooft, a coach credited with molding multiple champions. He praised the gym’s elite-level athletes, noting that training there sharpened his fight IQ. Earlier in his career, Garry honed his basics at Team Renegade in Birmingham, England, a camp that produced Leon Edwards. However, he faced bans from that gym and others in England over alleged recording of sessions, a controversy that added a polarizing edge to his reputation.

What does this mean for Garry’s title chances?

The Brazilian stint is a strategic gamble. By immersing himself in Maia’s jiu-jitsu system, Garry hopes to neutralize Makhachev’s wrestling and create submission threats. If the ground work pays off, Garry could force a shift in the fight’s rhythm, forcing Makhachev to fight on the feet where Garry’s striking is strongest. Success would not only earn him the belt but also validate the cross-continental training model that many fighters now emulate.

• Ian Machado Garry holds a 17-1 record heading into UFC 330.
• He trains with Demian Maia in Brazil to improve his grappling.
• Opponent Islam Makhachev is 28-1 and the reigning welterweight champion.
• The fight is scheduled for 15 Aug 2026 at Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia.

Fight Stats Comparison