UFC Welterweight Contender Believes Ian Garry Does Not Stand a Chance Against Islam Makhachev

#6 ranked welterweight contender Sean Brady weighs in on the rumored Islam Makhachev vs Ian Garry fight at UFC 330.

UFC Welterweight Contender Believes Ian Garry Does Not Stand a Chance Against Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev expected to defeat Ian Garry (via Instagram)

In Short
  • Islam Makhachev won the UFC welterweight title at UFC 322, defeating Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision.
  • Sean Brady believes Makhachev will easily defeat Ian Garry, predicting a submission victory.
  • Rumors of a fight between Makhachev and Garry are circulating, but Makhachev has not confirmed his next opponent.

Islam Makhachev’s UFC welterweight title win at UFC 322 has created major confusion in the division’s title picture. Multiple fighters continue to deliver standout performances and push for a shot at the belt. Amid this crowded race, reports have surfaced of a possible matchup between Makhachev and Ian Garry at UFC 330. UFC welterweight contender Sean Brady has also recently weighed in on the rumored fight.

At UFC 322, Makhachev defeated Jack Della Maddalena in a highly dominant unanimous decision to capture the welterweight title. He controlled the fight across all five rounds and limited his opponent’s offense throughout the contest. Just weeks later, Garry strengthened his own claim to contention by defeating Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar, a result that significantly boosted his standing in the division.

Brady was seen as a strong title contender leading into UFC 322, even holding the #1 ranking in the division at one point. However, a loss to Michael Morales slowed his momentum significantly and dropped him down to #6 in the rankings. As he prepares to face Joaquin Buckley at UFC 328, Brady has recently weighed in on whether he wants to fight on UFC 330, which is set to take place in Philadelphia.

Even if they were on the card, I don’t care who is the main event on that card. As long as I am not injured or anythin, I am obviously not looking past Buckley, not looking past May 9th. I want to be on that card, It’s my dream to fight in Philly especially on a stage as big as this. As far as who is going to win that fight, Islam is gonna run through Ian, simple as that. Islam’s gonna sub him for sure.

Sean Brady via The Bohnfire MMA

Rumors of Garry taking on Makhachev have been circulating for months in the 170-pound picture. Makhachev was also linked to a superfight against Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250, but reportedly stepped away due to a hand injury. However, he later clarified he did not withdraw from any confirmed matchup. Garry then called him out, saying that now that he is healthy, he is ready to face him instead.

Garry has been anticipating a potential fight against Makhachev for a long time. In preparation for facing elite grappling threats, he traveled to Georgia to sharpen his wrestling and develop tools to match the Dagestani champion’s style. The Irish welterweight has also openly expressed his desire to defeat Makhachev and change the world’s perception of the reigning welterweight champion and himself.

Sean Brady’s recent comments contrast with the expectations many fans and fighters had before UFC 322 about Makhachev’s title reign. Many believed JDM’s boxing and stand-up would seriously challenge him in their matchup. However, Islam Makhachev proved those predictions wrong with a dominant performance. As a result, he would still be the clear favorite heading into a potential fight with Ian Garry.

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Islam Makhachev believes that the Ian Garry fight is still not confirmed

The UFC welterweight division saw a major shift in recent weeks as momentum at the top of the rankings changed quickly and unexpectedly. At UFC Perth, Carlos Prates surprised the world by dominating Jack Della Maddalena and earning a TKO victory. However, after the win, Prates indirectly confirmed that the UFC was targeting Islam Makhachev’s first welterweight title defense to be against Ian Garry.

Ian Garry vs. Islam Makhachev next
Ian Garry vs. Islam Makhachev next (via X)

However, Prates also revealed that he is willing to wait for that matchup to take place and plans to face the winner. Recently, he was pushed up to #2 in the official welterweight rankings, placing him just below Ian Garry in the title race. These developments have also prompted Makhachev to clear the air around his inaugural welterweight title defense and the direction of the division.

Makhachev once again mentioned Kamaru Usman in his callouts, keeping the former champion in consideration for a potential title defense. Usman has long remained a key reference point due to his past dominance in the welterweight division and status as one of UFC’s most complete champions. However, based on recent performances, the most obvious contenders now appear to be Ian Garry or Carlos Prates.

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