Ian Garry Warned About Facing Same Fate as JDM Against Islam Makhachev in Potential Title Fight

Islam Makhachev's coach, Javier Mendez, warns Ian Garry ahead of a potential welterweight title clash.

Ian Garry Warned About Facing Same Fate as JDM Against Islam Makhachev in Potential Title Fight

Javier Mendez doesn't think Ian Garry can out-wrestle Islam Makhachev (via X)

In Short
  • Islam Makhachev's coach, Javier Mendez, doubts Ian Garry's ground game will withstand Makhachev's grappling.
  • Garry is preparing for a potential title fight by training with elite Georgian wrestlers and Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialists.
  • Makhachev is focused on defending his title against Garry, dismissing a potential fight with Ilia Topuria.

Islam Makhachev has been absent from competition for months, leaving fans eager for his highly anticipated Octagon return. Top welterweight contender Ian Garry has repeatedly called out the Dagestani star and positioned himself as the leading challenger for the title. Garry recently traveled to Georgia to sharpen his wrestling skills, seeking specialized training ahead of a championship opportunity.

The Irish fighter previously stated he would work closely with elite Georgian wrestlers to prepare specifically for Makhachev’s dominant grappling style. The Irish contender also revealed training sessions with lightweight champion Ilia Topuria to strengthen his overall game plan. However, recently, Makhachev’s longtime coach Javier Mendez dismissed those efforts.

Ian does well with Islam on the stand-up, he’s got range and he’s tricky. On the ground, he does okay but he doesn’t survive. His takedown defence is decent but not great enough to stop Islam Makhachev from taking him down.

Javier Mendez via Submission Radio 

Javier Mendez stated that Garry could potentially survive five rounds, much like Jack Della Maddalena did previously. At UFC 322, Makhachev dominated Della Maddalena across all rounds, limiting his offensive output significantly throughout the fight. Despite preparing with Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist Craig Jones, JDM struggled to counter Makhachev’s relentless grappling pressure effectively.

Makhachev echoed his coach’s assessment, asserting that Garry has virtually no chance to overcome his ground game with limited preparation. He also gave an example of how Charles Oliveira brought in an Iranian wrestler, but it didn’t help the former champion. The pound-for-pound king has been training with the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov for years and has given the veteran the toughest challenge.

Apart of his ground game, Makhachev has certainly evolved his striking and has the ability to knock out his opponents. Ahead of this potential fight, there is also the Ireland vs. Dagestan narrative, which was started by Conor McGregor and Nurmagomedov. However, Makhachev dismissed that by saying that Garry’s isnt at McGregor’s level and this rivalry will be a “AliExpress” version. 

Islam Makhachev shuts down chances of him fighting Ilia Topuria 

The potential super fight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria has rapidly become one of MMA’s most anticipated matchups. Fans and analysts alike believed the blockbuster showdown could headline the UFC White House event in Washington, D.C. However, both fighters remain deeply committed to defending their positions within their respective weight divisions currently.

Islam Makhachev on Ilia Topuria fight
Islam Makhachev on Ilia Topuria fight (via X)

Topuria is reportedly being lined up for a lightweight title clash against interim champion Justin Gaethje next. Meanwhile, Makhachev will probably fight Ian Garry in his next outing, potentially around the middle of the year. During a recent interview, Makhachev firmly dismissed any plans of fighting Topuria at the proposed White House card.

Yes, I think it definitely won’t be at the White House because he already has opponents lined up and the UFC isn’t interested in that fight right now.

Islam Makhachev via Ushatayka

Regardless, Islam Makhachev is still interested in fighting former champion Kamaru Usman next. According to him, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ can still beat all the top contenders, including Ian Garry. However, fans and experts still prefer a young challenger over Usman.

Islam Makhachev helps his teammate Usman Nurmagomedov duringa PFL fight 

Usman Nurmagomedov delivered a dominant performance in his most recent PFL: Road to Dubai main event in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He faced England’s Alfie Davis for the PFL Lightweight World Championship in the Coca-Cola Arena. Nurmagomedov controlled the fight with his elite grappling and positional pressure against the British challenger.

Islam Makhachev and Usman Nurmagomedov
Islam Makhachev and Usman Nurmagomedov (via X)

In the third round, he secured a technical submission victory via a tight arm-triangle choke, forcing Davis to go unconscious just before the bell. A viral video has since gone viral, where Islam Makhachev, who was present in the cage side, helped Nurmagomedov to land a takedown. 

The win extended his unbeaten professional record to 21-0 and retained his PFL lightweight title impressively. According to Team Khabib, following Makhachev’s dominance, Usman will come to UFC in the hopes of dominating the promotion as well.

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