Last Updated on March 12, 2026 by Pragjyoti Singh
Ian Machado Garry has spent his entire UFC run trying to convince the world he’s the heir to the Irish throne, but he’s hitting a wall of indifference from the one man who actually holds the keys: Islam Makhachev. Now, Garry has released a statement revealing his intentions after claiming that the welterweight champ refused to fight him.
While the 28-year-old contender has been relentlessly manufacturing a “Dagestan vs. Ireland” narrative, a clear attempt to recapture the hype during the Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor rivalry, Makhachev isn’t buying what Garry is selling. When asked about a potential showdown with the Irishman, the welterweight champion was dismissive, reportedly labeling him nothing more than a “cheap knockoff” from AliExpress.
After recently declaring that Makhachev “needs more time” to prepare for their proposed clash, Garry doubled down on his promotional stunt by flying to Georgia. The implication was clear: he was looking to tap into the high-level wrestling pedigree of fighters like Merab Dvalishvili and Ilia Topuria, who himself has been gunning for a fight against Makhachev.
Ian Garry has a message for Michael Morales, Carlos Prates, and Shavkat Rakhmonov
In his latest Instagram post, Ian Machado Garry made his stance on the current welterweight division clear, taking aim at top contenders like Michael Morales, Carlos Prates, and Kamaru Usman, the latter of whom champion Islam Makhachev personally identified as a target.
Despite suggestions from fans and analysts that Morales could pose a significant challenge to Makhachev due to his power and size, Garry dismissed the idea, claiming that Morales has yet to prove himself. Garry, the division’s number two-ranked contender, also stated his willingness to rematch Carlos Prates or Shavkat Rakhmonov if necessary.
Regarding Usman, Garry was particularly blunt, ridiculing the former champion by highlighting the disparity in their recent activity, noting that he has amassed 10 wins in the same timeframe that Usman has managed only one.
“Morales sit down. You’ve not done enough. I’ve already beaten Prates and will happily do it again… in Brazil. Shavkat heal up, I want that rematch. Usman isn’t even close. (Since my debut night at Maddison Square Garden where Usman beat a wilting 31 year old Colby Covington, I have had 10 wins in the UFC whilst Usman has had one… just 1. Anyone saying his name is on another planet) I’m Next. Enjoy the show!”
While the UFC hasn’t issued a formal statement on the champion’s timeline, Dana White confirmed at the Zuffa Boxing 4 post-fight press conference this past weekend that Islam Makhachev is currently sidelined with a hand injury. White admitted that the full extent of the issue and how long it will keep the welterweight king out of the Octagon remains unclear
Islam Makhachev’s coach says Ian Machado Garry can’t survive against the UFC champ
“He’s a well-known guy, he’s very highly skilled, and I look forward to the challenge. If that’s who they pick and that’s who Islam wants, no problem. Bring him on the plate,” said Javier Mendez when asked about Islam Makhachev potentially facing Ian Garry.
Although, Mendez did accept that Garry could be a challenge in the striking department, he refused to believe that the potential challenger would pose any problems on the ground against Makhachev.
“He does well with Islam on the standup because he’s rangy, he’s tricky, all those. But on the ground, he doesn’t. He does OK, but he doesn’t survive on the ground. He might survive five rounds, but he won’t get the best of Islam on the ground,” said Mendez.
Whether Mendez’s cold assessment holds up remains to be seen. For now, Garry continues his hunt for a name to further bolster his resume while he waits for the chance to prove the doubters wrong against Makhachev.
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