Ian Garry declares he wants to snatch the belt from Islam Makhachev if he overcomes Della Maddalena!

In what could reignite one of the most iconic rivalries in UFC history, Ian Garry has called out Islam Makhachev for a potential welterweight title clash, should the Dagestani superstar defeat Jack Della Maddalena later this year.

Garry, the charismatic striker from Portmarnock, Ireland, is eyeing the biggest opportunity of his career: a chance to take on the pound-for-pound number one fighter in the world. This move sets up the possibility of a showdown that could channel the energy of the Conor McGregor vs Khabib Nurmagomedov rivalry—this time under a different flag and division.

Let’s explore the background, the stakes, and what a Garry vs Makhachev title fight would mean for the UFC’s welterweight division and beyond.

Ian Garry Returns to Form After First Career Loss

Ian “The Future” Garry, 26, recently returned to winning ways after suffering his first professional loss in MMA. At UFC Fight Night Kansas City, Garry earned a gritty unanimous decision win over dangerous Brazilian finisher Carlos Prates, reasserting himself in the top tier of the welterweight rankings.

The bounce-back win followed a razor-close loss to undefeated Kazakh contender Shavkat Rakhmonov in December, in what many considered a title eliminator. Though Garry fought valiantly, he was edged out in the late rounds, suffering a minor setback in his championship quest.

Despite that, the Irish star has remained undeterred—and now, he’s aiming even higher.

“There is nothing more I want to do than go out there and beat the number one pound-for-pound, get the belt, and prove that I’m one of the best in the world,” Garry said.

Islam Makhachev: The Lightweight King Eyes Welterweight Gold

Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, has dominated the 155-pound division since capturing the title from Charles Oliveira in 2022. After defending his belt against Alexander Volkanovski twice, including a thunderous head-kick KO in their rematch, Makhachev has little left to prove at lightweight.

Now, he’s preparing to move up to welterweight, where he is rumored to face Jack Della Maddalena for the newly vacated title.

If Makhachev is victorious in that bout, he would become a rare two-division champion—further solidifying his status as a pound-for-pound great. But Garry wants to play spoiler in that narrative.

The Rivalry Rekindled: Dagestan vs. Ireland

The prospect of a Makhachev vs Garry fight immediately brings echoes of the McGregor vs Khabib rivalry—an emotionally charged, continent-spanning clash that culminated in UFC 229, the most-watched pay-per-view in UFC history.

While Garry has been respectful in tone, he didn’t shy away from recognizing the potential narrative.

“If people want to market it as Dagestan versus Ireland, if me and Islam Makhachev ever cross paths, then they can,” Garry said. “But I feel like that’s bringing in two people like Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov, who have had their rivalry and have done and said the things they’ve said.”

Still, the emotional charge and national pride are undeniable. For Garry, this isn’t just about rivalry—it’s about legacy.

“Islam is the pound-for-pound number one. If he wins the welterweight title, I’m calling for that fight.”

What Would a Makhachev vs Garry Title Fight Look Like?

A matchup between Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry would be a stylistic chess match:

• Makhachev brings elite Sambo and wrestling, with suffocating top control and improving striking.

• Garry is a sharp, dynamic striker, with excellent footwork, speed, and a growing ground game.

The contrast in styles makes this an elite-level battle between pressure and precision, grappling and movement, and experience versus youth.

Garry, now 14-1 professionally, is one of the youngest top contenders at 170 lbs, while Makhachev, 33, would be entering a new weight class at the peak of his powers.

Can Ian Garry Pull It Off?

Garry believes his confidence, precision striking, and championship mindset can be the difference against Makhachev.

While many fighters falter against the relentless pressure of Dagestani wrestlers, Garry maintains that his mental strength and striking IQ can withstand it.

He’s repeatedly stated his goal is to become one of the greatest ever, and beating the man many consider the best on the planet would immediately vault him into the UFC elite echelon.

If Makhachev does win the welterweight title, Garry’s timing may be perfect. There’s a void in the division left by Leon Edwards, and Della Maddalena is still establishing himself as a long-term champion. The UFC could be looking for its next international star—and an Irish world champion would certainly move the needle.

UFC’s Golden Opportunity: Global Superfight Potential

From a promotional standpoint, Makhachev vs Garry is a goldmine.

• It offers the Dagestan vs Ireland storyline, which still resonates with fans.

• It’s a clash of cultures, styles, and legacies.

• And it could headline a UFC pay-per-view in either Dublin, Abu Dhabi, or New York, all of which are major markets for both fighters.

A well-marketed title fight between Makhachev and Garry could push viewership into the millions—especially with the Irish fanbase historically turning out in droves to support their stars.

With McGregor potentially retiring, Garry could fill the vacuum as Ireland’s new UFC poster boy.

What If Makhachev Loses to Della Maddalena?

If Jack Della Maddalena defeats Makhachev, then Garry could angle for a title fight with the Australian himself—setting up a Commonwealth clash for welterweight gold.

However, a loss for Makhachev may delay or derail Garry’s interest in that particular matchup. Beating the pound-for-pound #1 carries more legacy weight than simply becoming a champion.

Still, Garry has made it clear—he’s hunting gold, and he’ll fight whoever holds it.

Ian Garry: The Future or Just Ambitious?

Ian Garry’s rise has been both impressive and controversial. His confident personality, outspoken interviews, and flashy fighting style have drawn comparisons to Conor McGregor, but he insists he is carving his own path.

Despite the setback to Rakhmonov, Garry has rebounded like a future champion should: with adjustments, grit, and big aspirations. His evolution as a fighter is clear, and his focus on elite matchups proves he’s not afraid to challenge the top of the food chain.

Whether or not he gets the Makhachev fight, it’s clear Garry is destined for UFC title contention.

Final Take: Makhachev vs Garry Could Be the UFC’s Next Blockbuster

With Islam Makhachev poised to make his welterweight debut, and Ian Garry lurking in the shadows of the title picture, fans could be witnessing the formation of a new international super-fight.

If Makhachev captures gold at 170 lbs, and Garry continues his climb, a Dagestan vs Ireland title clash is not only likely—it might be inevitable.

For the UFC, this is storytelling at its finest: two men from different worlds, fighting for legacy, pride, and history. Buckle up.