Makhachev: Garry Will Be Welterweight Champ Someday

Islam Makhachev believes Ian Machado Garry will eventually win the UFC welterweight title, just not anytime soon.

Makhachev, who edged Garry by decision in the UFC 330 main event in August to extend his win streak, made the prediction in a new interview even as he looks past Garry toward his next title defense. The fight itself was a grind. Garry pushed Makhachev the full 25 minutes before the champion pulled away late to win a wide decision. That victory was Makhachev's 17th straight inside the UFC, breaking Anderson Silva's promotional record, and Makhachev has already said he wants to run the streak to 20.

Makhachev Puts Prates, Morales and Rakhmonov on Equal Footing

Makhachev declined to rank his next wave of challengers, naming Carlos Prates, Michael Morales and Shavkat Rakhmonov as essentially interchangeable threats. "Honestly, I put [Prates, Morales and Rakhmonov] all on the same level," Makhachev said. He broke down what makes each dangerous: "Prates has striking power, he's dangerous. Morales is very big, and he's dangerous in wrestling and striking. And Shavkat is a very serious opponent in terms of his skills as a fighter." Makhachev also waved off former Bellator champion Yaroslav Amosov as a threat to his title picture.

What This Means for Garry's Title Path

Garry does not appear next in line for another crack at Makhachev's belt. By putting Prates, Morales and Rakhmonov in the same tier, Makhachev signaled that any of the three could be next, which pushes Garry further back in the queue even though the champion just called him a future titleholder. That is a notable vote of confidence from the man who just beat him, but it also means Garry likely needs another statement win, or a change in circumstances up top, before he gets a rematch look. For bettors, this matters because Garry's stock did not crash after a loss to the pound-for-pound number one. Sportsbooks and matchmakers alike tend to treat competitive losses to an all-time great differently than a bad loss, and Makhachev's public praise reinforces that Garry remains a live favorite in most future welterweight matchups outside of the champion himself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Islam Makhachev say Ian Machado Garry will be UFC welterweight champion?

Yes, Islam Makhachev said he believes Ian Machado Garry will eventually become UFC welterweight champion, though not right away.

Who did Islam Makhachev name as his top welterweight contenders?

Islam Makhachev named Carlos Prates, Michael Morales and Shavkat Rakhmonov as his top welterweight contenders, rating all three as equally dangerous.

What happened when Islam Makhachev fought Ian Machado Garry?

Islam Makhachev defeated Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision at UFC 330 in August to defend his welterweight title and extend his UFC win streak to 17, breaking Anderson Silva's record.