Charles Oliveira names Ian Machado Garry as Makhachev’s toughest test yet

Charles Oliveira flags Ian Machado Garry as Makhachev’s biggest threat

Ian Machado Garry has been called the most dangerous man Islam Makhachev could face next by Charles Oliveira. The former UFC lightweight champion made the claim in a recent interview, pointing to Garry’s relentless pace and sharp striking as the biggest challenges Makhachev may ever face.

What did Charles Oliveira say?

Oliveira, speaking to media on 18 June, said Garry’s style forces opponents into uncomfortable exchanges. “He’s got that pace, that pressure,” Oliveira noted. “Most guys can’t keep up with him, and Makhachev’s got to be ready for that.” The Brazilian added that Garry’s recent performances have made him a must-watch before any potential title fight.

Why it matters for Ian Machado Garry

Garry, 29, has climbed the ranks with four straight UFC wins, including finishes over Geoff Neal and Daniel Rodriguez. His last bout ended in a unanimous decision over Vicente Luque in April, a fight Oliveira watched closely. “He’s not just another contender,” Oliveira said. “He’s the kind of guy who can change the whole fight in one round.”

The Irishman’s next move remains unclear, but Oliveira’s words put extra pressure on Makhachev’s team. A potential matchup would pit two of the division’s most dynamic strikers against each other, a fight many fans have demanded since Garry’s rise began in 2022.

What comes next for Makhachev and Garry?

Makhachev, 33, defends his UFC lightweight title next on 20 September in Abu Dhabi. His camp has yet to confirm an opponent, but Oliveira’s comments suggest Garry is now a frontrunner. Garry, meanwhile, trains in Dublin and has hinted at a return before year’s end. If the pairing happens, it would mark the first time the two have shared a cage-and the first time Makhachev faces a fighter averaging more than 5.5 significant strikes per minute in his UFC career.