Ian Garry Vows to Beat Islam Makhachev And Change UFC World’s Perception of Irishman

Ian Garry explains how a win against champion Islam Makhachev can elevate his standing in the welterweight division.

Ian Garry Vows to Beat Islam Makhachev And Change UFC World’s Perception of Irishman

Ian Garry wants to beat Islam Makhachev (via MMA Fighting)

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Ian Garry has quickly emerged as one of the welterweight division’s top rising prospects, placing himself in early title discussions through consistent performances. That momentum slowed after UFC 322, where Islam Makhachev won the belt and other contenders strengthened their cases. This has now prompted the Irish contender to recently renew his push with a direct message for a title shot publicly.

Garry’s rapid rise through the welterweight ranks was driven by a 14-0 unbeaten record, highlighted by high-profile victories over Michael ‘Venom’ Page, Geoff Neal, and Neil Magny. That momentum was halted at UFC 310 when Shavkat Rakhmonov handed Garry the first professional loss of his career, bringing his undefeated run to an end and altering his short-term path toward a title shot.

Garry rebounded from his lone defeat with a unanimous decision win over Carlos Prates in April 2025, reestablishing his footing in the 170 pound division. He followed that with another unanimous decision victory over former champion Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar, after which he acknowledged Makhachev’s accomplishments while outlining why he believes his skill set is capable of defeating the champion.

Islam Makhachev is one of the greatest fighters walking the planet Earth right now.The number one pound-for-pound fighter on the planet, a two-weight world champion, and a former Sambo and European world champion. He is one of the most dangerous men walking the planet right now. When you beat Islam, it changes the way everyone in the world thinks about you, and I’m going to do it.

Ian Garry via Instagram

Garry’s remarks have gained added significance following Makhachev’s dominant performance against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, where he secured one of the most one-sided unanimous decisions in recent memory. The victory saw the Dagestani standout become the 11th two-division champion in UFC history while also tying Anderson Silva’s promotion record with a 16-fight winning streak.

However, Garry’s recent performances have continued to face scrutiny due to a lack of finishes, with several of his wins going the distance. At UFC 322, other results drew sharper competitive attention, including Michael Morales scoring a knockout over Sean Brady and Carlos Prates stopping Leon Edwards. These outcomes that elevated those fighters more decisively within the contender hierarchy.

Ian Garry’s future in the welterweight division now appears tied more to timing than momentum. UFC matchmaking indications suggest the immediate title focus lies elsewhere. The promotion is widely expected to target Kamaru Usman as the first challenger for newly crowned Islam Makhachev. That scenario could leave the Irish contender needing another statement win to reenter title contention.

Islam Makhachev’s manager reveals why they do not want to give Ian Garry the title shot

Islam Makhachev has worked with Ali Abdelaziz since the early stages of his professional career, forming one of the UFC’s longest-running manager-fighter partnerships. As head of Dominance MMA, Abdelaziz has overseen the Dagestani’s contractual decisions, opponent selection, and career progression. That guidance has played a central role in his rise from prospect to two-division UFC champion.

Islam Makhachev and Ali Abdelaziz
Islam Makhachev and Ali Abdelaziz (via Instagram)

Abdelaziz also manages former champion Kamaru Usman and is actively promoting a matchup between Usman and Makhachev. He has described the fight as the ideal first title defense for the Dagestani champion. In doing so, Abdelaziz has effectively minimized any immediate consideration of Ian Garry for the title shot. His strategy highlights his influence over UFC matchmaking and championship planning.

Don’t tell me Ian Garry, he’s the guy people are jumping over, I have no problem with him… I asked one guy very high up in the UFC, I’m not going to say who, but I had to ask him if he thinks Ian Garry, coming from nine out of 10 fights by decision, is he an exciting fighter? He’s like, ‘No, he’s boring’.

Ali Abdelaziz via MMA Junkie

Garry has frequently faced criticism for promising knockouts before his fights but failing to deliver decisive finishes. Many of his bouts have ended in unanimous decisions rather than stoppages, drawing scrutiny from analysts and promoters. This pattern has impacted his perceived readiness for immediate title contention. It underscores the challenges he faces in securing a championship opportunity.

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