Islam Makhachev’s coach, Javier Mendez, expressed serious reservations about Ian Garry’s chances of defending against Makhachev’s grappling skills, emphasizing that Garry’s ground game would likely falter in a fight. Garry has been intensifying his training by working with top Georgian wrestlers and Brazilian jiu-jitsu experts, aiming to prepare specifically for a title encounter with Makhachev.
Makhachev, who has been sidelined from competition for several months, is expected to return to the Octagon soon, with Garry positioned as the foremost challenger. The Irish contender traveled to Georgia recently to enhance his wrestling, demonstrating his commitment to matching Makhachev’s renowned grappling prowess.
Garry’s Preparation Faces Criticism Despite Elite Training Partners
Although Ian Garry trained with Georgian wrestlers and collaborated with UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria to bolster his overall strategy, Javier Mendez remains unconvinced of his ability to withstand Islam Makhachev’s takedown attacks. Mendez highlighted that Garry would show skill in stand-up fighting but would struggle significantly once the fight hits the mat.
Ian does well with Islam on the stand-up, he’s got range and he’s tricky. On the ground, he does okay but he doesn’t survive. His takedown defence is decent but not great enough to stop Islam Makhachev from taking him down.
Javier Mendez via Submission Radio
Mendez drew parallels to Makhachev’s previous bout against Jack Della Maddalena, where Makhachev dominated all rounds through his aggressive grappling. Even though Della Maddalena prepared extensively with Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist Craig Jones, he struggled to counter Makhachev’s relentless ground pressure.
Javier Mendez gives Ian Garry no chance on the ground vs Islam “He does well with Islam on the stand up but on the ground he doesn’t. He doesn’t survive.”via @SubmissionRadio pic.twitter.com/g53P6cCLYc— Dovy🔌 (@DovySimuMMA) February 18, 2026
Makhachev Confident in His Ground Dominance, Dismisses Rivalry Comparison
Islam Makhachev echoed his coach’s sentiments, stating that Garry’s preparation is unlikely to be sufficient to overcome his ground game. Makhachev mentioned that even Charles Oliveira’s attempt to improve his wrestling by bringing in an Iranian grappler failed to equal his level. With years of training under Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev has become one of the toughest challenges for any contender.
Beyond his grappling, Makhachev has developed powerful striking abilities that pose a knockout threat. He also addressed the burgeoning Ireland versus Dagestan narrative, initiated by the rivalry between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov. Makhachev dismissed the comparison, asserting that Garry is nowhere near McGregor’s level and likened any potential rivalry to an “AliExpress” version of that historic feud.
Makhachev Rules Out Matchup with Ilia Topuria at White House Event
Fans have speculated about a potential superfight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, which many hoped could headline the upcoming UFC event at the White House in Washington, D.C. However, both fighters are currently focused on their own divisional paths. Topuria is expected to face interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje next, while Makhachev is likely to fight Ian Garry in his next bout, possibly around mid-year.
Yes, I think it definitely won’t be at the White House because he already has opponents lined up and the UFC isn’t interested in that fight right now.
Islam Makhachev via Ushatayka
Makhachev clearly stated that the UFC is not prioritizing a fight with Topuria at this time despite fan interest, confirming the unlikelihood of the matchup taking place at the White House card.
🚨 Islam Makhachev says a fight against Ilia Topuria is ‘definitely’ not happening at the White House”[Topuria] already has opponents lined up and the UFC isn’t interested in that fight right now.”(via Ushatayka) pic.twitter.com/Ta2gJdn3Tv— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) February 18, 2026
Makhachev Shows Support for Teammate Usman Nurmagomedov’s Dominant Victory
Islam Makhachev was recently seen assisting Usman Nurmagomedov during his dominant performance at the PFL: Road to Dubai event in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Nurmagomedov faced England’s Alfie Davis for the PFL Lightweight World Championship at the Coca-Cola Arena, winning via a technical submission with a tight arm-triangle choke in the third round just before the bell.
A viral video circulated, showing Makhachev helping Nurmagomedov secure a takedown cage-side. This victory kept Nurmagomedov’s professional record undefeated at 21-0 and secured the PFL lightweight title. Team Khabib has expressed optimism that Usman Nurmagomedov will eventually transition to UFC with the ambition of dominating the organization.
Future Prospects and the Impact on the Lightweight Division
Islam Makhachev’s upcoming fight against Ian Garry represents a critical juncture in the lightweight division, with the Irish fighter attempting to break through Makhachev’s dominance. While Garry’s comprehensive training program shows his commitment, Makhachev’s grappling superiority remains a significant obstacle. The coach’s and champion’s assessments suggest Makhachev continues to be a formidable force who could decisively control the fight, much like his previous title defenses.
Meanwhile, the dismissal of the highly anticipated Topuria bout indicates the UFC’s current focus on more traditional title defenses and contender matches, which also keeps an eye on unifying the division through clear paths. Fans can anticipate that the Makhachev vs. Garry fight will be a defining moment, potentially solidifying Makhachev’s hold on the championship or reshaping the division’s landscape.
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