UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev acknowledged that Ian Machado Garry presents a tricky challenge, but was critical of Garry's tendency to disengage. Makhachev's comments signal he has been studying the welterweight contender.
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has been doing his homework on Ian Machado Garry, and he has some pointed observations. The Russian champion acknowledged that the welterweight contender poses a tricky challenge, but he was equally critical of Garry's habit of disengaging, suggesting the Irishman "constantly runs away."
Makhachev, 34, carries a 28-1 record and currently holds the pound-for-pound top ranking. Fighting out of Eagles MMA as a southpaw, the Russian stands five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach and brings elite grappling credentials to every fight, averaging 3.2 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes. His striking accuracy sits at 58 percent, among the highest in the sport.
Garry, who fights under the nickname "The Future," is the number-one ranked welterweight at just 28 years old, carrying a 17-1 record. The orthodox striker stands six-foot-three with a 74-inch reach — giving him a notable size advantage — and generates an impressive 4.78 significant strikes per minute at 54 percent accuracy. His grappling output is comparatively modest, with fewer than one takedown per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Makhachev holds the lightweight title but is currently listed in the welterweight division, raising the prospect of a cross-divisional or title-unification scenario.
- Garry's ranking as the top welterweight contender makes Makhachev's public scouting report significant in terms of divisional stakes.
- The style matchup is stark: Makhachev's suffocating grappling against the footwork and volume striking of a fighter the champion openly says disengages too often.
- Makhachev's willingness to publicly critique Garry's movement suggests the two camps may be on a collision course.
