Ilia Topuria believes Ian Garry has genuine chances in a potential matchup with Islam Makhachev, citing the fact that Makhachev has been knocked out before in his career. Topuria noted that in the fighting business, everyone has a chance, especially someone like Garry. He praised Garry's accumulated experience throughout his UFC career and stated he sees many opportunities for the welterweight contender. Topuria emphasized that Garry has developed considerably during his time in the organization. The comments suggest Topuria views the stylistic matchup as more competitive than some might expect.
Ilia Topuria has publicly backed Ian Garry's chances against UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, pointing to a knockout on Makhachev's professional record as evidence that the door is never fully closed in combat sports.
Topuria, currently ranked number one pound-for-pound and sitting second in the lightweight division with a 17-1 record, made the comments in a recent interview. The 29-year-old Spaniard praised Garry's growth throughout his UFC tenure, stating the welterweight contender has accumulated meaningful experience inside the organization and has developed considerably since arriving. Topuria framed it broadly, noting that in the fighting business everyone carries a chance, and that someone of Garry's caliber is no exception.
Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1 record and currently reigns as welterweight champion after moving up from lightweight. The Russian fighter, who trains with Eagles MMA and competes out of a southpaw stance, averages 3.2 takedowns per fifteen minutes and lands 2.63 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 58 percent — a profile that underscores his all-around dominance. Topuria's reference to a knockout on Makhachev's ledger is the one blemish on that otherwise near-pristine record, and it forms the core of his argument that Garry should not be written off.
Why it matters
- Topuria's endorsement of Garry carries weight given his own pound-for-pound standing and experience dissecting elite fighters
- Makhachev's single career loss serves as a reminder that even dominant champions carry vulnerability on their record
- A potential Garry-Makhachev matchup would cross divisional lines, adding an unusual layer of intrigue to any future negotiations
- Garry's striking-based style could align with the specific scenario Topuria is highlighting, making the stylistic argument more than surface-level
