Islam Makhachev has identified Ian Garry as one of the most dangerous opponents he has faced, predicting Garry will become champion after he vacates the title. Makhachev rates Shavkat Rakhmonov, Carlston Harris Pratas, and Jose Morales on roughly the same level, citing Pratas's striking power, Morales's size and versatility in both standup and wrestling, and Rakhmonov's all-around skills as a fighter.
Islam Makhachev has publicly singled out four welterweights he considers the most dangerous threats to his championship reign, with Ian Garry earning particular praise as a future title holder once Makhachev eventually moves on from the division.
Makhachev, 34, carries a 29-1 record and holds the welterweight title while also ranking as the top pound-for-pound fighter in the sport. The Russian southpaw, who trains with Eagles MMA, is a relentless grappler averaging 3.22 takedowns per 15 minutes and landing strikes at a 58 percent accuracy rate. He spoke candidly about the welterweight landscape and the contenders he believes pose the greatest challenges.
Garry drew the highest individual praise, with Makhachev predicting the Irishman will eventually claim championship gold after he vacates the belt. Beyond Garry, Makhachev grouped Shavkat Rakhmonov, Carlston Harris Pratas, and Jose Morales together as threats on a similar level, each dangerous for distinct reasons.
Rakhmonov, the 31-year-old Kazakh known as "Nomad," enters any conversation about elite welterweights with a perfect 19-0 record. Standing six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach, he lands strikes at a remarkable 60 percent accuracy clip and averages 1.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes — a combination of physical tools and all-around skill that Makhachev specifically acknowledged.
Makhachev credited Pratas for his striking power and highlighted Morales's size and ability to threaten opponents in both standup exchanges and wrestling.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's self-scouting signals he is closely monitoring the welterweight division's rising contenders
- A future vacancy at the top creates a clearer path for Garry, Rakhmonov, Pratas, and Morales
- The champion's breakdown of each rival's specific strengths reflects the stylistic complexity awaiting any successor
