Could Ian Garry Be the One to Stop Islam Makhachev? Some fight fans might call it a long shot — but Jorge Masvidal strongly believes it’s a real possibility. And when Masvidal, one of the sport’s most seasoned veterans, makes a prediction like that, people pay attention. But here’s where it gets interesting: the reason behind his belief has less to do with hype and more to do with style, size, and strategy.
Ian Garry has quietly built a reputation as one of the trickiest matchups in the UFC’s welterweight division. His movement, reach, and composure inside the cage have frustrated opponents who struggle to cut off his angles. Masvidal sees that exact style as a major threat to Islam Makhachev — a fighter who relies heavily on pressure, grappling, and control.
According to Masvidal, Garry’s physical attributes could play a huge part in how a potential clash unfolds. The Irishman stands tall for his division and uses that height to maintain distance with precision striking and lateral movement. Masvidal told Thunderpick that Garry’s ability to “get on his bike” — darting in and out while managing space — might cause serious issues for Makhachev. “He’s not bad at wrestling, and he can get back up when taken down,” Masvidal said, pointing to Garry’s well-rounded skill set. He added that if Garry can avoid prolonged grappling exchanges, his striking advantage could allow him to outpoint the Dagestani champion on the feet.
A Clash of Eras and Styles
Islam Makhachev, now 28-1, has already cemented his legacy in the lightweight division, defending his title four times before stepping up in weight. His performance against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 showcased his elite grappling prowess, as he smothered the Australian contender to claim the welterweight crown. Despite that dominance, Masvidal’s comments introduce a fascinating counter-narrative — could a tactical striker like Garry flip the script?
Just a week after Makhachev’s title win, Garry improved his record to 17-1 with a victory over former champion Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar, solidifying his status as a legitimate contender. Yet, the welterweight class remains stacked with hungry challengers such as Carlos Prates, Michael Morales, and Kamaru Usman, all vying for their shot at gold.
And this is the part most people overlook: Garry’s game isn’t flashy — it’s disciplined. He wears down opponents with efficiency, not aggression. That measured approach could either be Makhachev’s undoing or his easy path to control, depending on who dictates the pace.
So, here’s the big question: Would Garry’s slick, evasive striking be enough to neutralize Makhachev’s suffocating grappling game? Or is Masvidal overestimating the Irishman’s ability to survive on the ground against one of the best wrestlers in UFC history? Share your take — could the calm and calculated Ian Garry really pull off the upset of the year?