Ian Machado Garry arrived in the UFC with an undefeated professional record, having only lost once in a disputed decision to Shavkat Rakhmonov. Prior to this defeat at UFC 310, Garry remained flawless, with his only earlier loss dating back to an amateur bout against future The Ultimate Fighter contestant Andreeas Binder in March 2018. Now positioned as the leading contender for the UFC welterweight title, Garry is preparing for what may be his most difficult fight yet against the pound-for-pound top-ranked Islam Makhachev.
Past Rivalry Renewed in Spirit as Binder Supports Garry Against Makhachev
Former adversaries Ian Machado Garry and Andreeas Binder no longer hold any ill will, despite Binder’s amateur win over Garry years ago. Binder, who recently resumed his fighting career with a successful Cage Warriors debut, expressed support for Garry’s upcoming title shot. He acknowledged the comparisons frequently drawn between them, but emphasized his respect for Garry and Irish fighters in general.
“People always compare me and Ian and say ‘oh you’re the one that beat Ian Garry’, yeah but it was amateur. You know what I mean? I will never root against any Irish fighter. The more Irish fighters we have in the UFC the better.”
– Andreeas Binder, Fighter
“I’d never put anyone like that down because he is still fighting for this country… He got to the UFC, I hope he does well.”
– Andreeas Binder, Fighter
Binder also lightheartedly noted Garry’s Brazilian connections through family ties but remained focused on Garry’s prospects at the top level of the UFC.
The Challenge Ahead: Can Garry Overcome Makhachev’s Dominance?
Binder voiced cautious optimism but admitted the difficulty Garry faces in trying to defeat Islam Makhachev. He highlighted Garry’s recent move to Georgia to sharpen his wrestling skills, which could be crucial in competing with Makhachev’s renowned grappling abilities.
“He’s gone over to Georgia now to improve his wrestling,
Binder stated.
So if he has improved his wrestling then he could be a problem. But I just think Islam is too much for him, he’s too much for anyone!”
– Andreeas Binder, Fighter
As Ian Machado Garry prepares for what could be the defining fight of his career, the bout against Islam Makhachev will test whether Garry can elevate his skills to overcome a dominant champion. The outcome will not only influence Garry’s trajectory but could also reshape the welterweight division’s landscape.
