Summary
Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry may face off for the UFC belt. Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage
Ranked number one pound-for-pound and undefeated for over a decade, Islam Makhachev seems to have gotten used to being seen as the main target in the weight classes he competes in. With the news that Ian Garry traveled to Georgia to sharpen his wrestling skills in preparation for a possible confrontation, the Russian didn't seem too worried. He spoke about the matter in an interview with 'Ushatayka' this Thursday (19).
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Commenting on his potential opponent's decision, Makhachev emphasized that his grappling experience is far too extensive to be overcome with occasional training sessions. He took the opportunity to remind everyone that other athletes have tried similar measures and failed, including Charles Oliveira.
“In Georgia, he’ll probably improve in some areas. I’ve been fighting forever, not just for the last 2 or 3 months, so it doesn’t matter to me anymore. In my recent fights, there’s always someone bringing someone to their training camp, like Oliveira brought an Iranian guy from the Iranian national team. Zero effect. Don’t waste your time,” he stated.
👀“Don't waste your time.” Islam Makhachev advises Ian Garry to stop improving his wrestling.
“In Georgia he'll probably improve in some areas. I've been wrestling my whole life, not just 2–3 months, so I don't care about that anymore. Throughout my recent fights, someone brings… pic.twitter.com/hh1cYhsyt4
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) February 19, 2026
A black belt in Jiu-Jitsu and the UFC's all-time leading finisher, Charles Oliveira was defeated by Islam Makhachev in October 2022. The Brazilian is a training partner of the Irishman at Chute Boxe Diego Lima and has Iranian Alireza Noei as his wrestling coach.
Garry may face Makhachev next.
Garry promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/IanGarry
Recently, the welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg) dismissed a fight with Ilia Topuria , arguing that the Georgian/Spanish fighter already had an opponent assigned by the UFC. On the other hand, the news about the Irishman's trip to Georgia comes with a curious context, to say the least. In the past, Garry had stated that he would only go to the country when he was certain that the fight with the Russian was confirmed.
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