Ilia Topuria stated that Ian Garry has a genuine opportunity to defeat Islam Makhachev, citing the fact that Makhachev has been knocked out before in his career. Topuria emphasized that in the fighting business, everyone has a chance, especially someone with Garry's profile. He noted that Garry has accumulated considerable experience throughout his UFC career, which gives him multiple paths to victory. Topuria's comments suggest he views Garry as a live underdog rather than an easy win for the lightweight champion. The post does not specify whether a fight between Makhachev and Garry is officially scheduled.
Ilia Topuria has publicly backed Ian Garry as a legitimate threat to Islam Makhachev, stating the unbeaten welterweight contender carries a real chance of defeating the reigning champion if the two ever meet.
Topuria, speaking in an interview, pointed to the fact that Makhachev has been knocked out previously in his career as evidence that no fighter is invincible. He argued that in the fighting business everyone carries a chance, and that Garry's accumulated UFC experience gives him multiple routes to victory. Topuria framed Garry as a live underdog rather than a straightforward obstacle for the champion. No fight between Makhachev and Garry has been officially announced.
Topuria himself is well placed to assess elite-level competition. Ranked number one pound-for-pound at just 29 years old, the Spaniard carries a 17-1 record and competes at lightweight, where he sits as the number two ranked fighter. He lands an aggressive 4.81 significant strikes per minute, making him one of the busiest offensive fighters on the roster.
Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1 record and is the reigning welterweight champion competing out of Russia under Eagles MMA. The Dagestani operates at a measured 2.63 significant strikes landed per minute but complements his striking with relentless grappling, averaging 3.2 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes. His 58 percent striking accuracy is among the highest in the sport.
Why it matters
- Topuria's endorsement elevates Garry's profile as a credible challenger in cross-divisional conversations
- Makhachev's lone career loss demonstrates a vulnerability that opponents and promoters will continue to reference
- A potential Makhachev versus Garry matchup would pit elite grappling against a striker with growing championship-level experience
