Ian Garry has declared himself the most dangerous challenger Islam Makhachev will face, citing his versatility ahead of their upcoming fight. Garry pointed to recent upsets by Sean Strickland and Justin Gaethje as inspiration, arguing he possesses more ways to win than any previous opponent.
Ian Garry has staked his claim as the most threatening challenger Islam Makhachev has ever faced, pointing to his versatility as the defining factor ahead of their upcoming fight.
Makhachev, 34, enters the bout as welterweight champion and the number-one pound-for-pound fighter on the planet, carrying a 28-1 record and a reputation built on relentless grappling and suffocating control. The Russian southpaw averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and attempts submissions at a rate of 1.1 per 15 minutes, making him one of the most complete fighters in the sport. His striking accuracy sits at an elite 58 percent, a figure that underscores how selective and precise his offense is even when the fight stays on the feet.
Garry, in making his case, pointed to recent title upsets elsewhere in the UFC as evidence that dominant champions are far from untouchable. He cited Sean Strickland and Justin Gaethje as fighters who proved that versatility and belief can topple seemingly unbeatable opponents. Strickland, now the 185-pound champion at 35 years old with a 31-7 record, lands an eye-catching 6.04 significant strikes per minute and carries a 76-inch reach that makes him a constant threat on the feet. Gaethje, the lightweight champion at 37 with a 28-5 record, is even more relentless offensively, averaging 6.48 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy.
Garry's argument rests on the idea that he brings more paths to victory than any fighter Makhachev has previously encountered, combining striking range and technical adaptability that he believes sets him apart from previous challengers.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's record and pound-for-pound status make any challenger the significant underdog on paper
- Garry framing the fight around versatility directly targets the perception that Makhachev is unbeatable on the ground
- Strickland and Gaethje's recent title wins give Garry a credible narrative for an upset, regardless of stylistic differences between the divisions
