Ian Garry has expressed confidence that he can dominate Islam Makhachev in all phases of a potential fight, including on the mat. Garry stated his movement will dictate the terms of engagement, predicting Makhachev will choose to wrestle. Despite that, Garry believes he can handle the grappling exchanges.
Ian Garry has publicly declared he possesses the tools to control Islam Makhachev in every area of a potential fight, including on the ground, where the reigning champion has built his fearsome reputation.
Makhachev, 34, currently holds the welterweight title and sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings with a record of 28-1-0. The Russian southpaw out of Eagles MMA stands five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach and has long been regarded as one of the most complete fighters in the sport. His grappling numbers reflect that dominance, as he averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes. He also brings respectable striking volume, landing 2.63 significant strikes per minute at an accuracy rate of 58 percent.
Garry, whose verified fighter data was not included in this report, made the remarks in a recent interview, arguing that his movement would dictate the terms of any engagement. He predicted Makhachev would default to wrestling, as most opponents do, but expressed confidence he could manage those exchanges and avoid being controlled on the mat.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's grappling is widely considered his most dangerous weapon, making Garry's claim particularly bold
- Any meaningful threat to the welterweight title picture runs through Makhachev given his dominant champion status and top pound-for-pound ranking
- A striking-focused, mobile fighter attempting to neutralize elite wrestling would present an interesting stylistic contrast if the bout were to materialize
