UFC news: Ian Machado Garry signs with Eddie Hearn ahead of Islam Makhachev title bout

Ian Machado Garry has joined Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Talent Agency ahead of the biggest fight of his career, adding another high-profile UFC name to the boxing promoter's growing roster.

The Irish welterweight contender announced the partnership on social media on Wednesday as preparations continue for his UFC 330 title fight against Islam Makhachev in August. 

The move sees Matchroom assist with Garry's commercial and marketing interests, while Vayner Sports will continue handling his UFC contract negotiations and fight-related matters.

Garry becomes the latest UFC star to align with Hearn as the Matchroom Talent Agency continues to expand its presence in mixed martial arts.

Garry announces new partnership

Confirming the agreement on Instagram, Garry expressed his excitement about adding Matchroom to his growing team.

"Congratulations Matchroom Talent Agency you've signed the future," Garry wrote, quoted on MMA Fighting.

The 28-year-old added that Matchroom would work alongside Vayner Sports as he continues to build his profile ahead of his first UFC title opportunity.

The announcement arrives at a pivotal moment in Garry's career, with the Irishman preparing to challenge Makhachev for the welterweight championship at UFC 330.

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Another major signing for Hearn

Garry's arrival represents another significant win for Hearn's agency, which made headlines earlier this year after signing UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall.

While Aspinall's arrangement attracted attention because of Hearn's public disagreements with UFC president Dana White, Garry's deal appears focused primarily on commercial growth and brand development rather than fight representation.

Hearn previously indicated that Matchroom intended to sign additional UFC talent following Aspinall's arrival, and Garry has now become one of the most prominent names to join the agency.

Focus remains on Makhachev

Despite the off-cage announcement, Garry's attention will remain firmly fixed on UFC 330.

The bout represents the biggest opportunity yet for a fighter who has steadily climbed the welterweight rankings, with only one registered loss on his record to Shavkat Rakhmonov in December 2024.

Victory would not only secure UFC gold but also significantly elevate Garry's profile at a time when his commercial opportunities are expanding.

Matchroom's growing MMA footprint

For Hearn, the signing signals another step in Matchroom's attempt to establish itself within the MMA landscape.

Although the agency is not involved in promoting UFC fights, it has increasingly targeted elite mixed martial artists for commercial representation, sponsorship opportunities and brand development.

With Aspinall already on the books and Garry now joining ahead of a world-title challenge, Matchroom's presence in MMA continues to grow.

And should Garry upset Makhachev at UFC 330, Hearn could find himself representing another UFC champion before the year is out.

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