​Ian Garry has been training with Georgian wrestlers in preparation for his UFC 330 title shot. The Irish welterweight is pulling out all the stops as he gears up for his first-ever shot at a championship in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Garry recently disclosed that he trained with elite Georgian wrestlers to sharpen his grappling and better contend with the world-class wrestling of reigning champion Islam Makhachev. The two are scheduled to clash in the main event of UFC 330 on August 15 in Philadelphia.
Garry has focused on bridging the gap on the mat between himself and Makhachev, aiming to level the playing field with top-tier grappling. He even traveled to Georgia in February to improve his wrestling skills, explaining that the trip was about experiencing elite, high-level wrestling that Ireland, England, and much of Europe do not typically offer. “Georgia are very, very into their martial arts. They’re very into their judo, their wrestling. They’re phenomenal at all those sports,” Garry said. “I felt their power. I felt their speed. I felt the technique. I got ragdolled for a number of days, and I loved every bit of it. And it helped set me and start my plan.”
Garry’s climb to title contention has included impressive wins over Carlos Prates and former champion Belal Muhammad, which earned him a shot at UFC gold. In recent times, Islam Makhachev vacated the lightweight title and captured the welterweight belt by defeating Jack Della Maddalena, adding a new layer of intrigue to UFC 330. Garry’s only career loss to date came at the hands of Shavkat Rakhmonov, who edged him out in a 2024 wrestling exchange, marking a notable challenge in his path to the belt.
As UFC 330 approaches, Garry’s decision to train with Georgian wrestlers is part of a broader strategy to infuse his game with relentless grappling intensity, technical precision, and explosive scrambles. The Georgian training camp provided Garry with exposure to a style renowned for its balance of power, speed, and technique, elements that could prove pivotal against Makhachev’s grappling pressure and championship pedigree. Garry and his team are banking on the experience gained in Georgia to translate into improved takedown defense, sharper clinch work, and more dynamic transitions on the mat.
The buildup to UFC 330 has underscored Garry’s commitment to leaving no stone unturned in pursuit of UFC gold. In addition to his Georgian sparring, Garry has been rattling off decisive performances inside the Octagon, steadily climbing the ladder in the welterweight division. The matchup with Makhachev represents a convergence of elite grappling talent and strategic planning, with Garry determined to showcase improvements that could tilt the balance in Philadelphia.
For fight fans and MMA observers, the UFC 330 main event is shaping up to be a test of Garry’s growth as a fighter against one of the sport’s most revered grapplers. Garry’s Georgian training camp is a talking point that highlights his dedication to developing a well-rounded, damage-free wrestling game capable of contesting the world-class grappling that Makhachev brings to the cage. As the date nears, Garry’s preparations continue to draw attention for their ambition, their depth, and their potential to redefine his trajectory in the UFC’s storied welterweight division.