Ilia Topuria believes Ian Garry has legitimate chances in a potential matchup against Islam Makhachev, citing that Islam has been knocked down before in his career. Topuria stated that in the fighting business, everyone has chances, especially someone like Ian Garry. The featherweight champion noted that Garry has accumulated substantial experience throughout his UFC career. Topuria expressed that he sees Garry having significant opportunities in such a matchup. His comments come as fans discuss potential future opponents for lightweight champion Makhachev. Topuria's assessment adds credibility to Garry's standing as a legitimate contender in the welterweight division.
Ilia Topuria has weighed in on a potential future matchup between Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry, saying the Irish welterweight holds genuine chances against the champion and pointing to the fact that Makhachev has been knocked down previously in his career.
Topuria, known as "El Matador," is currently ranked number one in the UFC pound-for-pound standings and holds a 17-1-0 record. The 29-year-old Spaniard recently moved up to lightweight, where he sits as the number two contender, and his opinion on divisional matters carries considerable weight. He lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute at a 48 percent accuracy rate, making him one of the more dangerous offensive fighters on the roster.
Makhachev, 34, enters this conversation as a reigning champion who has fought his way to a 28-1-0 record. The Russian southpaw out of Eagles MMA is the top-ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the sport and a relentless wrestler, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes while landing strikes at a 58 percent accuracy rate. Topuria's remark that Makhachev has been knocked down before serves as the foundation of his argument that no fighter is invulnerable.
Topuria also cited Garry's accumulated UFC experience as a meaningful factor, framing the welterweight contender as a legitimate threat rather than a stylistic mismatch.
Why it matters
- Topuria's credibility as the pound-for-pound number one gives his endorsement of Garry real divisional significance
- Makhachev's record of being knocked down, referenced by Topuria, keeps the door open for strikers to compete with him
- The comments arrive as fans and pundits actively debate who challenges Makhachev next at welterweight or lightweight
- Garry's standing as a serious contender receives a notable boost from one of the sport's most prominent voices
