Ian Machado Garry is preparing for the biggest fight of his mixed martial arts career, but his young son appears to have already picked a side. Garry’s son, Leo, is a huge fan of UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, creating an amusing family dynamic ahead of their UFC 330 title fight in Philadelphia.
The Irishman will challenge Makhachev for the UFC welterweight championship in the UFC 330 main event on Saturday, Aug. 15.
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Islam MakhachevEd Mulholland-Imagn Images
Little Leo is Massive Makhachev Fan
The unlikely fandom became especially noticeable during fight week. In a viral clip, Leo was visibly excited seeing a poster of his father and the current welterweight champion (via Happy Punch on X):
The upcoming bout represents Garry’s first opportunity to become a UFC champion. He enters the matchup with a 17-1 professional record and has won his last two fights against Carlos Prates and former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad.
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For Garry, the moment was particularly funny because his son is set to watch his father compete against his favorite fighter.
After Garry and Makhachev faced off near Philadelphia’s iconic Rocky statue, Leo wanted to meet the champion but missed his opportunity when Makhachev walked away.
The young boy became visibly upset and started crying (via Anatomy of a Fighter on YouTube):
The young child also brought up Makhachev’s name before Garry’s interview with Daniel Cormier, where the father explained Cormier’s former double-champ status (via Daniel Cormier on X):
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“Did you know that DC is a double champ? He had two belts,” Garry told his son.
The adorable son interjected, “Like Islam Makhachev!”
Islam Promises to Make It Up to Leo
Makhachev, meanwhile, enters the contest as one of the most accomplished fighters in UFC history. The former lightweight champion captured the welterweight title by defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 and is preparing to make the first defense of his 170-pound championship.
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Makhachev has also been made aware of Leo’s desire to meet him. During media day, the champion said he had not seen Garry’s son during the faceoff. He answered that he would have an opportunity to meet the boy later in the week (via Championship Rounds on X):
The potential meeting could provide one of the more wholesome moments of UFC 330 fight week. It would also make for an amusing contrast to the intense buildup surrounding the championship matchup between Garry and Makhachev.
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Until then, Garry may have to accept that his biggest little supporter is also cheering for the opposition. That family connection will be especially significant when Garry walks into the Octagon at UFC 330. Leo will be there to watch his father compete for the sport’s biggest prize, even if the young fan may have conflicting emotions about the man standing across from him.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the MMA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
