Irish UFC welterweight contender Ian Machado Garry believes that the toughest opponent he could face in the welterweight division is Islam Makhachev. This is a surprising statement, considering Makhachev, the current lightweight champion, has never competed at 170 pounds.
Garry, currently ranked seventh in the welterweight division, recently experienced a close defeat to number one contender Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310. He is now preparing to fight Carlos Prates in Kansas City and anticipates that a victory will put him in line for a shot at the welterweight title.
Despite being a polarizing figure among fans, Garry`s talent in the welterweight division is undeniable. When asked about his most challenging potential opponent in the division, he surprisingly named Makhachev, a fighter yet to debut in the weight class.
Ian Machado Garry Thinks Islam Makhachev Poses the Greatest Welterweight Threat
The welterweight division is full of strong contenders, including Sean Brady and the undefeated Jack Della Maddalena. Not to forget the champion Belal Muhammad, who has been dominant in recent years.
However, Garry maintains that the biggest threat is someone who isn`t even in the division yet. He argues that Islam Makhachev, the long-reigning lightweight champion with a record number of title defenses at 155 pounds, would be his toughest fight.
“Makhachev isn`t in the welterweight division currently, but I expect him to move up soon, and when he does, he will be the biggest challenge,” Garry stated in an interview with SevereMMA.
Ian Machado Garry Felt He Deserved the Next Title Opportunity
Following Shavkat Rakhmonov`s withdrawal from the UFC 315 main event against Belal Muhammad due to an injury, reportedly caused by Garry, many fans were surprised when Garry was not chosen as the replacement. Instead, the UFC opted for Maddalena, who is on a long winning streak since his initial professional losses nine years prior.
Garry expressed his frustration with this decision, emphasizing that his only professional loss was a close points defeat to the division`s top contender. “When I heard the news, I was furious, and I still am,” Garry shared on Instagram.
“I am not fighting for the world title because I am coming off a loss, yet they are giving the opportunity to someone who has been inactive for a year. They believe that is more exciting, but they are mistaken.”
“They are bringing in a fighter who has been sidelined for a year due to forearm surgery from an injury sustained in his last fight. He has been inactive for a considerable period.”
Rupert Hartwell