Islam Makhachev has confirmed that he has begun training camp for his next fight. According to the post, an opponent has already been verbally confirmed for the bout. The post suggests Ian Garry as a possible opponent with the question "So, Garry? Or other options?" However, no official announcement has been made yet. Makhachev appears to be preparing for his next lightweight title defense.
Islam Makhachev has announced that he is already deep into a training camp for his next outing, with an opponent verbally agreed upon even as no official booking has been made public.
Makhachev, 34, holds an imposing professional record of 28 wins and just one loss. The Russian southpaw, who trains out of Eagles MMA, is the reigning welterweight champion and sits at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings. Standing five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach, he is a suffocating grappler who also carries real striking danger, landing 2.63 significant strikes per minute at an accuracy rate of 58 percent. His wrestling remains the cornerstone of his game, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and more than one submission attempt per 15 minutes across his career.
In a social media post, Makhachev confirmed the camp is underway and floated Ian Garry as a possible opponent with the question "So, Garry? Or other options?" That wording stops short of confirming Garry as the chosen challenger, and no promotional announcement has followed.
Why it matters
- Makhachev is actively seeking his next title defense, meaning the division could receive a major booking announcement soon.
- Ian Garry is referenced by name, which signals at minimum that cross-divisional or in-divisional negotiations may be in motion.
- The verbal agreement on an opponent suggests paperwork, rather than matchmaking, is now the remaining hurdle before an official fight is confirmed.
