Islam Makhachev’s coach recently expressed confidence that Ian Garry would struggle if their highly anticipated fight reached the mat. Their potential matchup has stirred interest following Makhachev’s dominant UFC welterweight title win last November in Las Vegas, where he defeated Jack Della Maddalena with a decisive wrestling-based performance.
The focus has now turned toward Makhachev’s first title defense, sparking speculation that Ian Garry, a rising contender known as “The Future,” could be the next challenger. This theory gained momentum as Garry traveled to Georgia to refine his wrestling skills, a discipline prized in Makhachev’s native region.
“Ian Machado Garry is training in Georgia 👀🇬🇪🎥 @iangarryMMA pic.twitter.com/wF8lIBkdto” — MMA Orbit
Coach Javier Mendez Acknowledges Garry’s Striking But Doubts Ground Success
Javier Mendez, Islam Makhachev’s longtime coach, recently discussed the possibility of Garry stepping up as the challenger during an interview on Submission Radio. While he praised Garry’s abilities and recognized his skill level, Mendez stressed that Makhachev’s camp is fully prepared to handle the upcoming challenge.
“I feel good about it. He’s [Garry] a well-known guy. He’s very highly skilled, and I look forward to the challenge. If that’s who they pick and that’s who Islam wants, no problem. Bring him on the plate. We’ll get ready for Ian Garry. He’s good,” Mendez said.
Mendez further analyzed the potential fight, admitting that Garry’s striking could pose a significant threat. He described Garry as rangy and tricky on his feet, capable of turning the tide with a single punch, kick, or knee. Despite these strengths, Mendez highlighted a glaring weakness once the contest moves to the ground.
“He does well with Islam on the stand‑up because he’s rangy, he’s tricky, all those. But on the ground, he doesn’t. He does okay, but he doesn’t survive on the ground, I don’t think. I mean, okay, he might survive five rounds, but he won’t get the best of Islam on the ground. That I’m 100% sure about. On the stand‑up, he’s pretty tricky, so one punch can change everything, one kick, one punch, one knee. That’s a different story. But on the ground, I don’t see him dominating. I see him surviving, possibly… His takedown defense is decent, but not great enough to stop Islam from taking him down.”
Ian Garry’s Recent Performances Set the Stage for a High-Stakes Battle
Garry enters this conversation off the back of a strong unanimous decision win over former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar in November. Known for his striking skills and composure, Garry’s only career defeat was a close decision against unbeaten contender Shavkat Rakhmonov in December 2024 at UFC 310.
Meanwhile, Makhachev’s wrestling prowess forms the bedrock of his dominant championship run. His ability to control opponents on the ground, combined with improved striking, has propelled him atop the 170-pound division. This contrast between Garry’s stand-up expertise and Makhachev’s grappling mastery frames a compelling narrative ahead of a potential matchup.
The Implications of a Clash Between Two Welterweight Top Contenders
A fight between Ian Garry and Islam Makhachev would not only test contrasting skill sets but also spotlight the evolving dynamics in the UFC welterweight division. Makhachev’s team views this as a challenge they are ready to dominate on the ground, while Garry continues to develop his wrestling to avoid becoming overpowered.
The bout could prove pivotal in shaping the future of the division, determining if Garry’s striking can overcome Makhachev’s grappling dominance or if the champion’s control on the mat remains decisive. Both athletes carry momentum and skill into this potential matchup, promising an intense and strategically complex contest.
As the conversation heats up, fight fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if Ian Garry’s improvements in wrestling will bridge the gap and present an actual threat to Islam Makhachev’s reign or if the Dagestani star will continue to assert his dominance inside the octagon.
ISLAM MAKHACHEV HAS DONE IT 😱 🏆
AN OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE FROM MAKHACHEV TO BECOME THE NEW UFC WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION 👏 #UFC322 pic.twitter.com/U1KNN4WI0r
— ESPN (@espn) November 16, 2025
Ian Machado Garry is training in Georgia 👀🇬🇪
🎥 @iangarryMMA pic.twitter.com/wF8lIBkdto
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) February 18, 2026
