Is Ian Garry Booking His Ticket To Fight Islam Makhachev? The Clues Are Stacking Up
If you’ve been following the breadcrumbs Ian Machado Garry has been dropping lately, you might want to start clearing your schedule for early summer. The rising welterweight contender just made a move that screams “title shot,” and it involves a flight to Tbilisi, Georgia. That is a trip he specifically claimed he’d only make if he was preparing for one man: Islam Makhachev.
The UFC’s welterweight division has been in a weird state of limbo lately, with fans debating who actually deserves the next crack at the belt. But Garry’s recent travel itinerary might have just spoiled the surprise.
Ian Garry’s Georgian Gamble: A Clear Sign?
A few weeks ago, Garry went on record saying that if he were booked to fight Makhachev, he would pack his bags and head straight to Georgia. Why? Because that region is a factory for elite wrestling and grappling.
Well, guess where Garry is right now? Social media posts have placed the unbeaten Irishman in Tbilisi, looking ready to grind. This isn’t a vacation. You don’t go to Georgian wrestling mats for a spa day; you go there to learn how to stay on your feet against Dagestani heavy pressure.
For fight fans, this is the smoking gun. It’s the clearest indicator yet that the UFC is finalizing a bout between the No. 2-ranked welterweight and the reigning king, Makhachev. While nothing is official until Bruce Buffer says it is (or Dana White posts a late-night video), the writing is on the wall.
Why Makhachev Is the Target
Islam Makhachev has been on a tear, solidifying his legacy as one of the most dominant champions we’ve seen in years. His ability to blend high-level striking with world-class sambo makes him a nightmare matchup for almost anyone at 170 pounds.
However, Makhachev has been on the sidelines recently, observing Ramadan. The timeline for his return has always pointed toward early summer, which lines up perfectly with Garry’s current training camp. If Garry is starting a specialized camp now, it puts him on track for a fight date in June or July.
The narrative here is fascinating. You have Makhachev, the unstoppable force who mauls everyone in his path, against Garry, the brash, undefeated striker who believes he has the puzzle pieces to solve the Dagestani riddle.
The Stakes For the Welterweight Division
This potential matchup does more than just fill a main event slot; it clarifies a muddy title picture. There was chatter about Kamaru Usman possibly sliding back into contention, or perhaps Shavkat Rakhmonov getting the nod. But Garry’s undefeated streak and his active campaign for the title seem to have nudged him to the front of the line.
If this fight happens, it answers the biggest question surrounding Garry: Can he handle elite grappling? We’ve seen him outstrike opponents. We’ve seen him use movement and precision. But facing Makhachev is a different beast entirely. It’s a sink-or-swim moment for Garry’s career.
On the flip side, for Makhachev, a win over a young, hungry, undefeated contender like Garry would be another jewel in his crown, silencing critics who say he hasn’t faced enough adversity in the division.
June Fireworks: What Else Is Happening?
While we are all eyes on Garry and Makhachev, the UFC summer schedule is already heating up. White recently confirmed a massive event for June 14, likely headlined by Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje.
The initial thought was that Garry vs. Makhachev might land on that same card, but current speculation suggests the welterweight title fight might headline its own separate event around the same time. The UFC tends to stack its summer cards, so having two massive title fights in close proximity wouldn’t be out of character.
FAQ
Q: Is Ian Garry vs. Islam Makhachev officially confirmed?
A: Not yet, but Garry’s move to Georgia strongly suggests the fight is being finalized.
Q: Why is Garry training in Georgia?
A: The region offers elite wrestling partners similar to Makhachev’s style.
Q: When could the fight happen?
A: Likely sometime after Ramadan, around the UFC’s summer schedule.
Q: Why is this fight important?
A: It could determine the future of the welterweight division and test whether Garry is ready for championship-level competition.
What’s Next?
We are currently in the “waiting game” phase. Garry is in Georgia, sweating it out with high-level grapplers. Makhachev is preparing to ramp up his training post-Ramadan. All that’s missing is the contract ink and the official poster.
Fans are already split. The internet is buzzing with debates. Half the crowd loves Garry’s confidence and strategic preparation, while the other half thinks he’s biting off way more than he can chew against a grappler of Makhachev’s caliber. One thing is for sure: If Garry is in Georgia, he is there to prepare for the biggest fight of his life.
