If Sean Strickland can pull off a massive upset, Ian Machado Garry doesn’t see why he can’t.

Strickland (31-7 MMA, 18-7 UFC) came up huge as an underdog against Khamzat Chimaev (15-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) to claim the middleweight title by split decision at UFC 328. Another undefeated fighter in Ilia Topuria (17-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) also recently suffered his first-career loss when he was dethroned by Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250.

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Now, Machado Garry (17-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) looks to follow suit when he faces dominant welterweight champion Islam Makhachev (28-1 MMA, 17-1 UFC) in the UFC 330 headliner on Aug. 15 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia (Paramount+).

“If people think whenSean Stricklandgoes out and beatsKhamzat Chimaevand upsets the apple cart, and no one expected, no one can sit here and think that it’s impossible that I can beat Islam Makhachev,” Machado Garry told Paul Browne.

“If anything, I’m a far more perilous threat. I’m far more complete and I have way, way, way more ways of winning that fight. I am the most perilous opponent for Islam Makhachev, and it’s my job to go out and prove that on Aug. 15.”

Machado Garry is a huge underdog against Makhachev, who will look to break the UFC record for most consecutive victories. The Irishman explains why he thinks he’s the worst possible matchup for Makhachev.

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“My mindset, my vision, and my fight IQ,” Machado Garry said. “Three things that can’t be taught. You either have them or you don’t.”

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Ian Machado Garry points to Strickland when saying he’ll upset Makhachev

Diego Lopes might be seeking new challenges at 155 pounds given his failed bids to become the UFC featherweight titleholder.

Lopes is one of the top 145-pound competitors in MMA, but he appears to have hit a brick wall. He has fought Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight gold twice and was unsuccessful in both attempts. Lopes has gone 7-2 in his last nine outings, and it's clear that he has emerged as the No. 2 featherweight in the world, but perhaps a change of scenery is due.

In an interview with Guilherme Cruz of MMAFighting, Lopes admitted that his time at 145 pounds may have reached its peak.

“It's a little difficult,†Lopes said. “As long as Volkanovski doesn't retire, it's going to be hard to get another title shot. I'd have to be rooting for him to lose, but I'd rather see him retire as champion, because he was such a great champion for the division. Seeing him walk away with the belt would be something really special. Then he'd leave the door open for the guys coming up, and I see myself as part of that group too.â€

While Lopes won't promise that his next fight will be in the lightweight division, he is hoping to face a top contender in the division at some point.

“But I'm definitely in a bit of a tough spot,†he continued. “I have this desire to move up to 155 and take on an exciting fight. I think there are some great matchups for me in the top five or top six, fights that fit my style really well. So I honestly don't know what's going to happen in my division. I had a conversation with the UFC this past weekend and we actually talked more about the lightweight division than the featherweight division. I think the possibilities for a fight at 155 are opening up even more. We'll see what happens and what the UFC's plans are as well.â€

Lopes actually served as a backup option in case he was needed for the UFC Freedom 250 main event. Ultimately, Lopes scored a second-round knockout win over Steve Garcia, while Justin Gaethje shocked the world by stopping Ilia Topuria to unify the UFC Lightweight Championship.

How do you think Diego Lopes would fare in the lightweight division? Share your take in the comments below.

Gyms thrive when they create a forceful identity that members recognize and respect. Branded merchandise can reinforce this identity every time someone wears a shirt or sports bag. Members feel proud to represent a gym that supports their training goals and lifestyle. This visibility enhances the gym’s presence within the facility and among the local fitness community. Let’s take a look at why gyms benefit from selling branded merchandise and why yours should start this initiative.

Turn your members into a walking promotion

Each item of branded clothing serves as a mobile advertisement for your gym. When members wear your logo in competitions, training sessions or during everyday activities, they expand your reach without additional marketing costs.

Exposure matters in combat sports communities where recent members are gained through word of mouth. Gyms that exploit this strategy often see an boost in inquiries from people who have seen the brand in action.

Create additional revenue streams

Selling branded merchandise allows gyms to generate income beyond membership and class fees. High-quality equipment will appeal to athletes, fitness enthusiasts and fans who want to support their training environment.

Many gyms overlook how to do this custom promotional products grow your business through consistent sales with low effort. This approach ensures financial stability while supporting long-term growth.

Strengthen member loyalty and community

Branded merchandise creates a sense of belonging that keeps members engaged. Competitors and athletes often have a deep connection with their gym, and wearing branded equipment strengthens this connection.

A shared identity builds camaraderie across classes, skill levels and disciplines. Sturdy communities retain members longer and encourage them to invite their friends to the gym.

Support players and competitive teams

Combat sports gyms often send athletes to competitions where branding plays a key role. Athletes wearing gym uniforms represent their training camp with pride and professionalism. Visibility increases a gym’s reputation regionally and nationally. A consistent brand presence helps gyms stand out in crowded fight scenes.

Popular Swag items that perform well

Gyms should focus on practical and robust items that members exploit regularly. Functional equipment increases visibility while providing real value to customers. Consider offering items that align with your workout routines and lifestyle habits, such as:

• Branded protectors and combat shorts for training and competition.
• Sweatshirts and T-shirts for everyday wear and travel.
• Gym bags and water bottles for everyday training.
• Hats and hats for everyday branding outside the gym.

These products combine utility with promotion, making them effortless to sell and widely used.

Improve your professional image and credibility

A gym that sells consistent, well-designed products appears organized and professional. This perception matters when attracting grave athletes and potential partners. Tidy branding signals that the gym takes training, coaching and business operations seriously. Credibility increases when a brand looks consistent across apparel, social media and events.

Gyms that invest in branded gadgets position themselves for stronger growth and recognition. Goods build identity, boost revenues, and strengthen social bonds between members. Combat sports environments benefit even more from noticeable branding due to their competitive and social nature.