Islam Makhachev Predicts Ian Machado Garry Will Become UFC

Ian Machado Garry has received a major vote of confidence from the man who just beat him, with welterweight champion Islam Makhachev predicting the Irish contender will one day wear UFC gold.

Makhachev made the statement after his successful title defense against Garry at UFC 330 in August, where he won by unanimous decision. That victory extended Makhachev's UFC winning streak to a record 17 fights, breaking Anderson Silva's long-standing mark. While evaluating the division's top contenders, Makhachev singled out Garry as a future champion. "I think one of the most dangerous and serious opponents was my last fight with Ian Garry," Makhachev said in an interview. "And I think he'll become champion after I leave. He's young. I think he still has time."

Makhachev's Division Breakdown and Record Stance

In that same interview, Makhachev assessed the welterweight landscape. He placed contenders Carlos Prates, Michael Morales, and Shavkat Rakhmonov on a similar level, praising their respective power, size, and all-around skill. He was less convinced by former Bellator champion Yaroslav Amosov. The champion's focus, however, remains on his own historic run. Makhachev dismissed comparisons to Jon Jones's 20-fight unbeaten streak, citing Jones's past failed drug tests. "Because he went into a fight while on PEDs and won. That's where a new count should have started," Makhachev argued. He aims to push his own streak to 20 wins before retiring and wants to defend his belt again before Ramadan begins in February 2027.

Backlash Over UFC 330 Conduct and Coach's Defense

Garry's performance in the five-round loss, scored 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47 for Makhachev, has been dissected beyond the numbers. The Irish fighter showed respect and even shared friendly gestures with Makhachev during the bout, drawing criticism from some fans and UFC CEO Dana White. His coach, Diego Lima, has strongly defended Garry's conduct. "I swear I didn't notice it," Lima told MMAFighting.com. "And I don't think the hugs influenced anything at all... There's absolutely nothing wrong with it. That didn't change the outcome of the fight." Lima compared Garry's demeanor to that of former champion Charles Oliveira, who is known for similar in-cage respect.

Cejudo's Blunt Critique of Garry's Approach

Not everyone shares Lima's view. Former two-division champion Henry Cejudo was scathing in his assessment, arguing Garry's respectful approach hurt his career trajectory. "After a performance like that, do you think the UFC's going to give an opportunity to fight for the title again?" Cejudo asked on MMA Junkie Radio. He specifically criticized Garry for not selling the fight aggressively enough. "Ian Garry just missed all the boxes," Cejudo stated. "It was all about his kid and his wife and his wellbeing... It doesn't work like that, Ian. If I was to give you advice it would be like, 'Bro, the time is now.'" Cejudo believes the friendly atmosphere and lack of pre-fight animosity work against a fighter in the promotion's eyes.

At 28 years old and with a 17-2 record, Garry is already plotting his path back to contention. He has publicly called for a title eliminator bout against the undefeated Michael Morales. That matchup is not yet official, as the UFC has not announced Makhachev's next challenger. The promotion appears to be leaning toward booking Carlos Prates for the next shot, but nothing is confirmed. Garry's immediate future hinges on whether the UFC rewards his sportsmanship or sides with critics who demand more promotional fire.

• Key Takeaway: Champion Islam Makhachev believes Ian Machado Garry is the division's most dangerous recent opponent and will win the title after he vacates it.
• Key Takeaway: Garry's respectful conduct during his UFC 330 title loss drew ire from Dana White and Henry Cejudo, but was defended by his coach Diego Lima.
• Key Takeaway: Garry is targeting a fight with Michael Morales to re-enter the title picture, though Carlos Prates is the rumored next challenger for Makhachev.