Ian Machado Garry claims he'd beat Islam Makhachev if they fight right now, days after UFC title clash

Ian Machado Garry has addressed the possibility of a second encounter against reigning UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, expressing his confidence in his ability to beat the Dagestani fighter. 

Garry also spoke about a few improvements he believes could've helped him against Makhachev. 

UFC welterweight star Ian Machado Garry asserts that he'd defeat Islam Makhachev if they fight now

Ian Machado Garry received his maiden UFC title shot last month, when he faced the UFC's consensus pound-for-pound king and reigning welterweight titleholder Islam Makhachev. They clashed in a back-and-forth fight that headlined UFC 330, with Makhachev ultimately bagging the unanimous decision victory. 

Speaking to DAZN Boxing -- a few weeks removed from the high-profile championship fight -- Garry has suggested that he was proud of himself, his team, and their efforts devoted to the grueling showdown. "The Future" indicated that he wasn't happy with the result, but would dust himself off and resume his quest to fight the baddest men on the planet and prove that he is one of them, an elite fighter. 

Moreover, in regard to what Garry feels he could've done differently in the fight, he highlighted that his volume of strikes could've been better. The Irishman also opined that he should've thrown more kicks and applied more venom to the head shots against Makhachev. 

Garry explained, however, that it's tough to outmaneuver a fighter like Makhachev who's dispatched opponents consistently. That said, he added: 

"But I feel like if I fight him right now, I beat him. I just have so much confidence in myself, so much confidence in my team and the preparation that we do, I just wanna get back in there tomorrow and do it all over again." 

When asked about his much-awaited return, Garry stated, "As soon as physically possible. Anyone, anywhere, anytime. Go back in there and prove I'm one of the baddest men on the planet." 

Watch Ian Machado Garry discuss a possible rematch against Islam Makhachev and more below (*Interview courtesy: DAZN Boxing; footage courtesy: @ChampRDS on X via DAZN Boxing): 

Ian Garry believes he'd beat Islam Makhachev if they fought "right now"

"I feel like if I fight right now, I'd beat him. as soon as physically possible. Anyone, anywhere, anytime."

(via @DAZNBoxing)pic.twitter.com/fzGr7UFKGi

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 5, 2026

Ian Machado Garry eyes triumphant comeback after his second MMA defeat amid widespread criticism

Islam Makhachev has lately hinted that he'd like to ramp up his activity and return to the Octagon before Ramadan 2027, which would mean a comeback before February. He had, in fact, signaled that his next fight could likely transpire in January. The belief is that the Dagestan native could face either Carlos Prates or Michael Morales. 

Meanwhile, Ian Machado Garry's foiled attempt to win championship gold at UFC 330 marked the second loss on his professional MMA record. He'd previously been outpointed by Shavkat Rakhmonov -- who's expected to return from his lengthy injury hiatus soon -- back in 2024. 

While Garry earned praise for his gritty performance against Makhachev, prominent UFC personalities such as UFC CEO and president Dana White lamented the Dubliner's supposed lack of killer instinct. They affirmed that he could've beaten Makhachev had he upped the ante with some aggression rather than being overly friendly with the champion. 

Furthermore, some of Garry's socio-political views and remarks have sparked condemnation from MMA figures such as Jorge Masvidal and Sean Strickland. The widespread backlash notwithstanding, Garry has vowed to return stronger than ever and achieve his dream of winning UFC gold.