Islam Makhachev’s coach believes Ian Garry would be badly outmatched in a potential fight with the Dagestani.
Makhachev secured the welterweight title with an impressive, wrestling-driven performance against Jack Della Maddalena via unanimous decision at UFC 322 last November.
Following the win, attention quickly shifted to who the new 170-pound champion would face in his first title defense, with several top prospects joining the conversation.
Speculation has grown in recent weeks that Garry could be the next challenger, and the buzz increased even further “The Future” traveled to Georgia earlier this week to hone his wrestling in the sport’s traditional stronghold.
However, Islam Makhachev’s long-time coach Javier Mendez warned Ian Garry, insisting his student would have a clear advantage if the fight went to the mat.
Javier Mendez says Ian Garry has skills but can’t stop Islam Makhachev’s wrestling
During a recent interview with Submission Radio, Javier Mendez spoke about a possible confrontation between Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry. While he praised ‘The Future’ and his strengths, the veteran coach stressed that Makhachev’s camp is fully prepared for the challenge.
‘I have a good feeling about it. That’s him.’ [Garry] a famous guy. He is very capable and I am looking forward to the challenge. If that’s who they choose and that’s who Islam wants, no problem. Get him on the plate. We’re getting ready for Ian Garry. He’s good,” Mendez said.
Mendez further outlined how he believes a potential clash would unfold, acknowledging the Irishman’s striking threat but warning that once the fight goes to the mat, he believes the reigning UFC welterweight champion would completely overwhelm him.
“He does well with Islam on stand-up because he’s lean, he’s tricky, all of it. But on the ground he doesn’t. He does well, but on the ground he doesn’t survive, I think. I mean, okay, he might survive five rounds, but on the ground he’s not going to get the best of Islam. I’m 100% sure of that. On stand-up he’s quite tricky, so one punch can change everything, one kick, one punch, one knee. But on the ground I don’t see him dominating, possibly… His takedown defense is decent, but not great enough to prevent Islam from taking him down.”
Garry is coming off a dominant unanimous decision victory over former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar in November. The Future’s only career loss came in a close defeat to undefeated contender Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 in December 2024.
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