Islam Makhachev mentioned in Ian Garry’s roadmap to historical UFC title fight run

Top welterweight contender Ian Garry wants to defend his title against Islam Makhachev after potentially becoming the next champion. 

Islam Makhachev mentioned in Ian Garry’s roadmap to historical UFC title fight run

Ian Garry is ready to challenge Islam Makhachev for his pound-for-pound king status (via Imago)

Ian Garry’s fearlessness stands out in a time when many fighters avoid tough opponents for strategic reasons or security. His recent victory against Carlos Prates at UFC Kansas City was another testament to his rising talent and determination in the sport. Despite his success, Garry seeks even greater challenges, calling out formidable competitors like the lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

Last night, Garry put out a clinical performance and stopped Prates, who was on a whopping 10-fight knockout streak. Following the win, the ‘Future’ has now placed himself as one of the top contenders for the welterweight title. However, that’s not enough as the fighter is already looking past Belal Muhammad and aiming to fight the pound-for-pound ace. 

I’m gonna fight the winner (UFC 315), I believe it’s Belal. I’m gonna beat Beal. Then, there’s a certain pound-for-pound number one who wants to come up and his name is Islam Makhachev….I would love to prove against him, in my first title defense, that I’m the pound-for-pound number one. 

Ian Garry via UFC Kansas City post-fight presser

Unlike his countryman and mentor Conor McGregor, Garry mentioned how he has great respect and love for Makhachev’s achievements. Previously, he expressed how Makhachev could destroy anybody if the Dagestani decides to move up to the welterweight division. Without Muhammad as the champion, nothing would stop Makhachev from fighting in the welterweight title and earning the belt. 

There were reports about Makhachev looking forward to UFC 315, where Belal Muhammad will defend the title against Jack Della Maddalena. Against all odds, if JDM picks up a win, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Makhachev immediately move up. It would be interesting to see if anybody from Garry and Della Maddalena can potentially challenge the pound-for-pound king. 

Garry also talked about defending his title against his old rival Shavkat Rakhmonov in a title rematch after beating Makhachev. He came close to beating the Kazakh fighter at UFC 310, but now would like to avenge his only loss. But before that, he intends to go through the monumental task of beating Muhammad and fan favorite Makhachev.

UFC lightweight discusses Islam Makhachev’s welterweight dream 

Islam Makhachev’s dominance in the lightweight division began with his impressive win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. Since then, Makhachev has defended his title four times, showcasing his unmatched consistency and skill within the 155-pound category. Although rumors and drama continue to swirl around his next title defense, Makhachev remains focused on pursuing other ambitions and goals in the sport.

Islam Makhachev is more suitable for the UFC welterweight division
Islam Makhachev is more suitable for the UFC welterweight division (via X)

Makhachev, following in the footsteps of his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov, has hinted at the possibility of retiring early. He aims to secure a second title, addressing a key critique of Nurmagomedov’s career regarding a lack of dual championships. Recently, UFC lightweight Mateusz Gamrot shared his thoughts on Makhachev’s potential move to become a double champion.

So, for sure Islam have more big chance to fight in welterweight division than Ilia [Topuria] in lightweight division, because like I say, Islam is big normally. His weight is like guys from welterweight division, so he don’t need to cut weight too much. So, his performance will be for sure good.

Mateusz Gamrot via James Lynch’s interview 

Makhachev’s last fight was at UFC 311, where he dispatched title challenger Renato Moicano via a brutal D’arce choke. Following that, he mentioned his return around the International Fight Week, which has now created a variety of assumptions. Recent reports suggested that the fighter has already started his fight camp, which has coincided with Ilia Topuria‘s. 

The Georgian-Spanish star has been consistently asking for a lightweight title shot since he vacated his 145-lbs championship. However, due to his lack of experience in the lightweight division, he was previously rejected by Makhachev. But now, it seems like UFC and Dana White have finally got both fighters on the same page to fight.

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