Ian Machado Garry shows respect for Islam Makhachev but is confident he can dethrone the pound-for-pound king

Ian Machado Garry has his sights on Islam Makhachev. The Irishman wants to beat the Russian fighter and prove it to the world HE IS THE BEST 170-pounder on the planet.

Garry, who is now the number three in the rankings welterweight contender, has scored victories over Belal Muhammad and Carlos Prates in 2025 to climb the ladder and make his case for a title shot.

Islam Makhachev, on the other hand, left his 155-pound throne in 2025 after four successful title defenses. He moved up to welterweight, dethroned Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 and claimed glory in two divisions. The newly minted champion is expected to defend his title for the first time after Ramadan 2026.

Garry, who has taken on Makhachev in recent months, recently uploaded a clip praising the 34-year-old’s performance, adding that if he can beat the P4P king it would change the way people view ‘The Future’. He said:

“Islam Makhachev is one of the greatest fighters on the planet right now. The number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world, a two-weight world champion, a former Sambo and European world champion. He is absolutely incredible at what he does. He is one of the most dangerous men walking the planet today. If you defeat Islam, it will change the way everyone in the world thinks about you, and I’m going to do that.”

Check out Ian Machado Garry’s comments below:

Despite Garry’s 17-1 record, many believe he hasn’t done enough to secure a title shot. However, the Irishman is true to his style. He prefers calculated, low-risk fights and focuses on consistent output over knockouts to get his hand up.

Rumor has it that Islam Makhachev will face Michael Morales next

Rumor has it that Islam Makhachev will make his first defense of his welterweight title against Michael Morales later this year. Morales and Makhachev had previously confirmed that UFC brass wanted them to fight in January. However, both parties refused. Morales wanted rest, recovery and vacation over a title shot, and Makhachev, who had just made his welterweight debut in mid-November of last year, wasn’t looking for a title shot in early 2026.

While Morales wants to fight another top contender in the meantime, he also doesn’t mind waiting and fighting directly for the title.

In addition to the Ecuadorian and Ian Machado Garry, Kamaru Usman, Shavkat Rakhmonov and Carlos Prates remain in the mix and could be next in line for a welterweight title.