Zuffa LLC

UFC contender Ian Machado Garry doesn’t believe that double champs are as important as long, dominant title reigns.

Tonight, Ian Machado Garry has the opportunity to become a UFC world champion for the first time in his career when he challenges Islam Makhachev for the welterweight strap. Many people consider him to be the underdog, but that isn’t going to stop him from putting everything on the line in pursuit of the ultimate prize.

RELATED: Belal Muhammad backs Islam Makhachev to beat his former foe Ian Machado Garry

Machado Garry often has a lot to say and that has rubbed some critics the wrong way throughout the course of his UFC run. Ultimately, though, what matters is what he does in the cage, and he knows that he has to fight the perfect fight in order to overcome someone like Makhachev.

In a recent interview, Machado Garry also spoke openly about what he considers to be an impressive legacy as champion.

Machado Garry’s view on double champs in the UFC

“That is what I consider to be the greatest – those long, dominant title reigns. Double champions, they’re less important now. They’re less special now because people are waiting for the right opportunity. What makes me different, or what separates me from these champions, is that I will want to win (No.) 1 through 15 in the top 15. I will want to have a win over every single greatest welterweight on the planet to prove that I’m the best. There is no question here, at the time period when I competed, I beat every single competitor in my division. I beat them, it’s undeniable.”

Quotes via MMA Junkie

Some of the very best to ever do it in the UFC have, of course, held titles in two different weight classes, including Islam Makhachev. For Ian, though, staying in the welterweight division appears to be his long-term plan. Given how many top contenders are floating around, he needs to make the most of his opportunity tonight.

Do you agree with Machado Garry’s view on double champions in the UFC in the modern era? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM