Ian Garry Plans to Use Team Ilia Topuria Against Islam Makhachev in Potential Title Fight

Top UFC welterweight contender Ian Garry talks about taking help from Ilia Topuria ahead of a potential clash with Islam Makhachev.

Ian Garry Plans to Use Team Ilia Topuria Against Islam Makhachev in Potential Title Fight

Ian Garry is ready to train with Ilia Topuria to fight Islam Makhachev (via X)

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Last night at UFC Qatar, Ian Garry produced a masterclass performance and successfully defeated former champion Belal Muhammad. The Irish fighter used his long stature expertly to defend Muhammad’s takedown attempts and kept the fight on the feet. Garry won the fight via unanimous decision and immediately called out the newly crowned champion, Islam Makhachev, for his opportunity. 

Garry is currently on a two-fight winning streak and has faced several names in the UFC welterweight division recently. He challenged Makhachev to try taking him down in a potential title fight while claiming he is the division’s best. Following the callout, Garry mentioned taking guidance from Ilia Topuria and his camp to better prepare for his potential fight against Makhachev.

With my friends in Georgia, we’re gonna stop the Russians from having their success. We’re gonna stop the Dagestanis… and we’re gonna take [Islam’s] head clean off his shoulders.

Ian Garry via UFC Qatar post-fight presser 

Ian Garry previously shared a training session with Topuria in Spain, working together inside the champion’s primary gym in Madrid. Their collaboration occurred during Garry’s visit, where he focused on sharpening skills while observing Topuria’s coaching methods and disciplined training environment.

The session highlighted mutual respect between both fighters and allowed Garry valuable preparation knowledge ahead of pursuing a potential title opportunity. Topuria’s team has had a long-standing beef with Makhachev, and they have been trying to settle it for a long time.

Following Makhachev’s win at UFC 322, ‘El Matador’ accused him of being boring and promised to meet him inside the Octagon. The Dagestani has also shown interest in fighting Topuria, but it seems like both champions will be busy defending their titles soon.

Ian Garry has often shown great takedown defence, something he can use against Makhachev. At UFC 322, the pound-for-pound king controlled Jack Della Maddalena for five rounds, but Garry doesn’t think he would allow that to happen. It would be interesting to see whether UFC finds this match-up interesting and materializes it.

Ian Garry vs. Islam Makhachev could be a better version of Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor 

Ian Garry has often followed in Conor McGregor’s footsteps by embracing confidence and trash-talking throughout his career. The Irish fighter mirrors McGregor’s swagger, building attention and pressure through bold statements that energize fans and trigger opponents. This dynamic personality makes a potential Islam Makhachev matchup compelling due to historical tensions between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor.

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

Garry vs. Makhachev can revive the historic rivalry between Ireland and Russia while potentially breaking several promotional records worldwide. According to the Irishman, this matchup could deliver far more technical mastery than the previous fight between Nurmagomedov and the ‘Notorious.’

Islam Makhachev is the protege of Khabib. I’m the protege of Conor. This is the new wave of Dagestan. A technical on the feet, a more technical grappler than Khabib. I’m a longer, faster, more versatile version of Conor. It’s the perfect fight to make… The ball is in his court. Whenever he is ready, whenever he wants. If he wants to do it in Dagestan, I will see him there. I’m not afraid of any man walking this Earth.

Ian Garry continued.

Garry is doing everything possible to secure the Islam Makhachev fight, but multiple obstacles complicate his ambitious championship pursuit significantly. Makhachev has openly shown interest in fighting Kamaru Usman next, aiming to surpass historic records with dominant welterweight title defenses. 

The Dagestani champion also stated he planned to return for the upcoming White House event, creating uncertainty around matchup possibilities. Fans remain highly excited and curious about the welterweight division’s future, eagerly awaiting clarity regarding the next major competitive showdown.

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