Irish Star Ian Garry Flies to Georgia Ahead of Rumored Islam Makhachev Title Fight

UFC welterweight contender Ian Garry has recently shared an update ahead of rumored title fight with Islam Makhachev.

Irish Star Ian Garry Flies to Georgia Ahead of Rumored Islam Makhachev Title Fight

Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry at the White House event (via X)

In Short
  • Ian Garry is traveling to Georgia to enhance his wrestling skills in preparation for a potential fight against Islam Makhachev.
  • Garry holds the #2 ranking in the UFC welterweight division and is on a two-fight win streak.
  • He aims to solidify his legacy by defeating Makhachev, drawing on the strong wrestling culture in Georgia.

Islam Makhachev is the reigning welterweight champion, and anticipation continues to build steadily regarding his highly awaited title defense. Following his recent fight against Jack Della Maddalena, Makhachev openly discussed the possibility of competing at the White House event. Although there has been no official confirmation, recent hints dropped by Ian Garry have raised eyebrows.

Ian Garry currently holds the #2 ranking in the UFC welterweight division and has repeatedly called out Islam Makhachev. In his most recent outing, Garry secured a dominant victory over Belal Muhammad and now rides an impressive two-fight win streak against top competition. Recently, Garry shared an image of himself flying to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, sparking fresh rumors.

Following the recent post, many fans have theories regarding Makhachev fighting Garry in the main card of the UFC White House event. If this happens, Garry has successfully beaten other top fighters, including Michael Morales, Carlos Prates, and Kamaru Usman in the title race. Since neither of them are American, there is also a chance that the promotion saves them for a future numbered event as well.

The Irish contender has explained that overcoming Makhachev would solidify his legacy and prove he belongs among the very best. Ian Garry also revealed plans to travel to Georgia and sharpen his wrestling to counter Makhachev’s relentless and suffocating ground attacks.

I promise you, I told all of you, I will come to Georgia. Because Georgia has phenomenal wrestling, phenomenal judo, phenomenal sambo and when you’re trying to prepare for someone like Islam Makhachev, I’m going to need that. So Georgia, I hollering to you guys, I’m going to need your help.

Ian Garry via UFC Qatar press conference 

Garry has also mentioned that he has spoken with the Georgian lightweight champion Ilia Topuria about helping him. Topuria has had a long-standing beef with Makhachev and is expected to be at the White House event, potentially fighting Justin Gaethje. Last year, Georgian champion Merab Dvalishvili was able to beat Umar Nurmagomedov of Team Khabib, and Garry wants to do something similar. 

On top of that, Ian Garry has also talked about rebuilding the Ireland vs. Dagestan angle, which was started by Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov. According to CEO Dana White, the title fights for the event have already been decided. Given the history and hype, it won’t be surprising to see UFC officially make the announcement soon. 

Islam Makhachev shares why Team Khabib is dominating MMA 

Following his retirement from UFC, Khabib Nurmagomedov shifted his complete focus toward coaching and developing elite fighters. Under Nurmagomedov’s leadership, the team has grown into a dominant force featuring champions and top contenders across divisions.

Islam Makhachev with his team
Islam Makhachev with his team (via X)

Apart from UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and rising bantamweight contender Umar Nurmagomedov, Usman Nurmagomedov currently reigns as PFL champion. Their camp, rooted in discipline and Dagestani wrestling fundamentals, has consistently produced fighters known for relentless pressure and grappling dominance.

According to Khabib, the long-term vision is to dominate every major promotion across all weight classes. In a recent interview, Islam Makhachev explained that unity, strict preparation, and an unwavering mindset built their sustained success.

How many young kids look at Khabib and our team, and we never go to parties, smoke, drink, or do bad things. That’s why we have big support in our country. I also try to show MMA fighters and real Muslims who are not smoking or doing bad things.

Islam Makhachev via Arena Fight TV

Islam Makhachev revealed he initially dreamed of becoming a professional footballer before transitioning into taekwondo training during his early years. However, lacking a strong team environment, his path changed after meeting Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov and Khabib. Since then, he has formed a brotherly bond with that team to find enormous success. 

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