Islam Makhachev's coach has disclosed that a teammate capable of mimicking almost any fighter's style is assisting Ian Machado Garry's preparation. The revelation highlights the cross-camp collaboration taking place ahead of Garry's upcoming bout.
A teammate from Islam Makhachev's Eagles MMA camp is helping Ian Machado Garry sharpen his preparation for his upcoming bout, according to a disclosure from Makhachev's coach. The revelation points to a notable cross-camp arrangement that carries weight given the caliber of fighters involved.
Makhachev, 34, currently holds the welterweight title and sits at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings with a 28-1 record. The Russian southpaw out of Eagles MMA is regarded as one of the most technically complete fighters in the sport, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and landing strikes at a 58 percent accuracy rate. His coach's comments suggest that at least one Eagles MMA member possesses the versatility to replicate a wide range of fighting styles — a valuable asset for any camp seeking high-quality preparation.
Garry, known as "The Future," enters his upcoming fight ranked first in the welterweight division and carrying a 17-1 record. The 28-year-old orthodox striker stands six-foot-three with a 74-inch reach and generates an aggressive output of 4.78 significant strikes per minute. The Irishman's length and volume make finding the right sparring partner a deliberate process, and the Eagles MMA connection appears to be filling that role.
Why it matters
- Makhachev is the reigning welterweight champion, so his camp's direct involvement in Garry's preparation raises questions about divisional dynamics
- Garry holds the number-one contender ranking, meaning this fight carries clear title-picture implications
- The stylistic range of the Eagles MMA teammate could give Garry exposure to grappling-heavy looks, addressing a potential area of vulnerability given his modest 0.92 takedowns and 0.4 submission attempts per 15 minutes
Saturday, August 15, 2026
