Ilia Topuria stated that Ian Garry has genuine chances in a potential fight with Islam Makhachev, noting that Makhachev has been knocked out in his career. Topuria emphasized that in the fighting business everyone has a chance, especially someone like Ian Garry. He praised Garry's accumulated experience in the UFC and said he sees many opportunities for him in such a matchup. Topuria's comments suggest he views Garry as a legitimate threat to the lightweight champion. The statement comes amid ongoing speculation about potential challengers for Makhachev.
Ilia Topuria has gone on record saying Ian Garry would pose a genuine threat to lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, pointing to the Russian's lone career defeat as evidence that no fighter is untouchable.
Topuria, currently ranked second in the lightweight division and the number-one pound-for-pound fighter in the world, made the comments amid ongoing speculation about who might challenge Makhachev next. The 29-year-old Spaniard, who carries a 17-1 record and lands an imposing 4.81 significant strikes per minute, noted that Garry's accumulated UFC experience gives him real tools to work with against the champion. Topuria stopped short of predicting an outcome, instead framing his view around a core principle: in this sport, everyone carries a puncher's chance.
Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1 record and has established himself as one of the most complete fighters in the sport. The Russian southpaw operates at a measured pace of 2.63 significant strikes per minute but compensates with elite grappling, averaging 3.2 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes. His striking accuracy sits at an elite 58 percent. That single loss on his record is the detail Topuria chose to highlight, suggesting Makhachev is beatable and that Garry, with sufficient experience behind him, represents a credible option.
Why it matters
- Topuria's endorsement of Garry as a legitimate threat adds weight to discussions around Makhachev's next title defense
- Makhachev's lone professional loss keeps the door open for strikers who can find early openings
- Topuria himself sits at lightweight, making his assessment of the division's dynamics particularly relevant to the title picture
