Ian Garry praises Islam Makhachev and predicts a career change with a victory against the Russian.

Garry celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Amidst the uncertainty surrounding who will be the first challenger for the welterweight title (up to 77,1 kg), recently won by Islam Makhahcev, Ian Gary He returned to the spotlight to see an opportunity to test his strength against the Russian. The Irishman, who has only one defeat against him... Shavkat Rakhmonov throughout his professional career and comes from a victory against Belal Muhammad |, projected a change in status as an athlete after a victory against the champion.

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In a video posted on social media, Futuro highlighted Makhachev's achievements and the Russian's stature as an athlete. In this context, he emphasized that a victory against him would change the public's perception of himself.

"Islam makhachev He is one of the greatest fighters of our time — the number 1 pound-for-pound fighter on the planet, two-time world champion in two weight classes, and former world champion in Sambo and Europe. He is absolutely unbelievable at what he does. He is one of the most dangerous men on the planet today. When you defeat Islam, it changes how everyone in the world thinks about you, and I'm going to do that,” he stated.

Ian Gary calls Islam makhachev the most dangerous man on the planet and says beating him changes everything 🌍🔥

"Islam makhachev is one of the greatest fighters walking the planet Earth right now—the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter on the planet, a two-weight world champion, and… pic.twitter.com/lrRGO1vRAB

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) January 28, 2026

A clash between Ian Garry and Islam Makhachev could reignite old rivalries.

Ian Gary is a promise for the welterweight division. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @iangarry

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At just 28 years old and with victories against big names in the division, Garry is also linked to Makhachev due to their historic clashes in the UFC. Irish and an avowed fan of... Conor McGregorThe fighter could reignite the rivalry with the Dagestan Clan in a potential duel with the current champion, a friend of... Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Furthermore, Futuro is also a training partner of Charles of the Bronx Diego Lima fought at Chute Boxe. It was precisely against the "Blushed Lion" that the Russian became the lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) in October 2022. They were even scheduled for a rematch in... UFC 294However, the Brazilian was forced to withdraw after suffering a cut above his eyebrow during training.