Ian Garry predicts ‘absolute disaster’ if Islam Makhachev moves up to the welterweight division

UFC welterweight star Ian Garry shows respect to Islam Makhachev and is ready to welcome him to the welterweight division.

Ian Garry predicts ‘absolute disaster’ if Islam Makhachev moves up to the welterweight division

Ian Garry talks about Islam Makhachev potentially fighting for the welterweight championship (via Imago)

Islam Makhachev currently holds the UFC’s pound-for-pound #1 spot, maintaining his dominance over a competitive roster. He’s defended his lightweight championship four times, marking the highest number of successful title defenses in the division’s long history. Now expressing intentions to move up, Makhachev eyes welterweight gold, an ambition to achieve before his retirement. 

Interestingly, the welterweight division appears enthusiastic and prepared to welcome him, with contenders already anticipating potential matchups and competitive showdowns. Recently, top welterweight star Ian Garry was asked about Makhachev’s decision to move up and challenge for the belt. In response, the Irishman gave an extremely respectful and suitable reaction. 

He can jump the queue if he wants, he’s Islam Makhachev. He’s the pound-for-pound number one. If that man turns up and says I wanna be next, everyone in the welterweight would be okay….He’s an absolute disaster for everyone in the division if he comes up. He’s the perfect example of the new evolution of the fighters….I think he’ll make the welterweight division even more fun.

Ian Garry via SHAK MMA

Garry revealed how Makhachev was a complete fighter who was good on the feet and in the grappling department. With a potential to finish opponents out of nowhere, he can possibly win the welterweight title if given the opportunity. After all, he has finished legendary fighters such as Alexander Volkanovski and Dustin Poirier not too long ago.

Garry also compared Makhachev’s fighting style to the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov and claimed it was cleaner. While the ‘Eagle’ took his opponents to deep waters, Makhachev looks for lethal submissions and finishes the fights soon. All these and the added size make Makhachev a competitive and dangerous opponent in the welterweight division.

Currently, Makhachev is eagerly waiting for the UFC 315 main event bout between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena. The Dagestani won’t fight Muhammad and would like to see JDM take the win as he can challenge the Aussie later. Della Maddalena has also shown interest in this challenge and plans to take Volkanovski’s revenge by beating Makhachev. 

Islam Makhachev’s next lightweight outing 

The lightweight division is currently going through a huge confusion as nobody knows who’s fighting for the belt. Top contenders like Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira are eagerly waiting for their opportunity to get their rematch against Islam Makhachev. Things have gotten more interesting since former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria moved up and vacated his title.

Islam Makhachev's next fight
Islam Makhachev’s next fight (via X)

Initially, Topuria mentioned that he would only fight Makhachev and nobody else; however, now things have taken a new turn. There are rumors about him headlining UFC 317 against Oliveira, as both fighters have shared hints on social media. In the midst, UFC veteran Michael Bisping believes there is one name that potentially gets the title shot given the landscape. 

Maybe Islam Makhachev fights Justin Gaethje… If we forget about meritocracy and think about exciting matchups, there is not a man alive that does not want to see Islam Makhachev vs. Justin Gaethje. We would always want to see that.

Michael Bisping via his YouTube channel 

Gaethje is a former interim lightweight champion with multiple performance bonuses and victories over elite UFC-level competition. He has lost the UFC lightweight title opportunity twice against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Oliveira in the past. ‘The Highlight’ recently secured a dominant win over Rafael Fiziev, showcasing elite striking power and composure under intense pressure. 

With Makhachev seeking credible and new challengers, Gaethje’s resume and recent momentum make him a deserving title contender right now. However, many don’t want to see this fight as they know who will win. Now, it will now depend on the UFC whether they want to go with this or not. 

Related: Justin Gaethje Net Worth, Endorsements, UFC contract, Wife and House