Islam Makhachev and Ian Machado Garry may be on a collision course after the Irishman began wrestling training in Georgia. Machado Garry has been in the mix for a welterweight title shot. However, the UFC have yet to announce Makhachev’s first title defense.
The timing of Machado Garry training in Georgia draws attention given the current landscape of the UFC’s welterweight division. After defeating Jack Della Maddalena to win the welterweight title, Makhachev pushed to face Kamaru Usman in his first title defense.
Despite publicly campaigning for that bout, the UFC appears to have other plans, with Machado Garry firmly in the mix. ‘The Future’ fueled speculation during an interview with MMA Pros Pick, when he explained his decision to train in Georgia.
“We had one of the guys reach out to us before we won in UFC Qatar and said, ‘If you are coming, let me come and teach you,’ and I said, ‘Okay,’ Machado Garry said. “If I’m fighting Islam [Makhachev], this is the place I need to come and get people who have trained for years.”
By traveling to Georgia and focusing on his wrestling development, Machado Garry aims to boost his chances against Makhachev. The knowledge and repetition he gains could prove vital in a potential welterweight title fight.
Ian Machado Garry Praises Georgian Gym
Ian Machado Garry expressed gratitude toward the Georgian gym for welcoming him and helping him refine his wrestling. Adjusting to a different culture can be challenging, but the Irishman approached the experience with an open mind and eagerness to learn.
Machado Garry, No. 2 ranked UFC welterweight, spoke highly of the hospitality and the friendly interactions he experienced during his stay.
“I’ve seen a lot of people. I can’t walk from here to the hotel or even go in the toiler hotel without people stopping me, which is great,” Machado Garry told MMA Pros Pick. “It’s awesome. They all come up, they all have such a big smile on their face.”
Islam Makhachev Not Worried About Ian Machado Garry Training in Georgia
Although Machado Garry focused on his wrestling in Georgia, Makhachev remains unfazed. He dismissed the idea that the Irishman can make significant improvements in such a short amount of time.
Makhachev has built a reputation on elite grappling and wrestling, and compliments those skills with his striking. The reigning welterweight champion imposed his will on Jack Della Maddalena last year and controlled him on the ground.
Makhachev said Machado Garry’s additional training will not change the result of their potential matchup. He believes the Irishman risks making a mistake by focusing too much on wrestling.
Makhachev emphasized that a few months is not enough time to replace years of foundational work.
“This is a mistake for fighters to go to some training camp for two or three months before the fight in order to get ready for the fight,” Makhachev told Ushatayka (translated). “It’s in reverse. This plays into such a cruel mistake because the person who goes somewhere for two to three months to prepare and starts to believe in his skills. And then this doesn’t work.”
He added:
“In two or three months, it’s impossible to learn how to wrestle. This is what you have to do in your childhood. Many, many years.”
Is Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry on The Horizon?