A well-known battle could function Islam Makhachev’s first welterweight title defense.
Since Makhachev beat Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 to develop into the eleventh two-division champion within the promotion’s history, several fighters have been staking their claims for the primary shot at dethroning him.
UFC legend Kamaru Usman believes his greatness warrants the chance, while Michael Morales and Ian Machado Garry are coming off strong performances last November.
Recent reports indicate that the Irish contender is the frontrunner to challenge Makhachev in 2026, and that might bring about a well-recognized Ireland vs Dagestan scenario to the champ’s team.
But Makhachev evidently doesn’t expect it to live as much as the 2018 feud when it comes to animosity.
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Islam Makhachev doesn’t see Ian Machado Garry as his profession’s Conor McGregor
Eight years before Makhachev’s potential showdown with Garry, the welterweight king’s friend and mentor was one half of arguably probably the most bitter rivalry in UFC history.
Khabib Nurmagomedov submitted Conor McGregor at UFC 229 after a heated build-up that included some controversial trash talk from the Irishman. Things got so hostile that a wild brawl followed ‘The Eagle’s’ victory at T-Mobile Arena.
Makhachev was recently asked during an interview with Ushatayka whether he expects the Garry fight to mark the following chapter in that feud.
“Would you call the Ian Garry fight round two of the Irish vs Dagestani rivalry?” the reporter asked.
Judging by his response, it’s secure to say that fans won’t be seeing Makhachev jumping the cage and attacking anyone in Garry’s corner on fight night.
“Like they are saying, ‘From AliExpress,’ right?” Makhachev said while laughing (h/t Red Corner MMA).
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Ian Machado Garry is a better option than Kamaru Usman for the following UFC welterweight title shot
If rumors of Garry being first in line for a shot on the newly crowned welterweight king prove to be true, it should come as a relief for fans.
Makhachev’s preference is Kamaru Usman, something he has made clear ever since beating Della Maddalena to capture the crown at 170 kilos.
‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ is undoubtedly one among the best of all time and had moved near Georges St-Pierre within the welterweight GOAT race before losing the title.
But historical greatness and past dominance shouldn’t be the one aspects in the case of deciding a champion’s opponent.
Usman has only beaten Joaquin Buckley since 2021. And while recording only one victory in five years, the 38-year-old has also lost three fights.
There are no less than two names who must be ahead of Usman within the pecking order, and Garry is actually one among them.