Islam Makhachev's Team Picks Ian Garry As Toughest Opponent Despite Complete Domination

Islam Makhachev has been around in the UFC for a long time now. Over the years, he has faced some really strong opponents. However, while trying to choose one particular fighter who gave the Dagestani a hard time, coach Javier Mendez came up with a surprising take. 

Javier Mendez Keeps Ian Garry Before Alexander Volkanovski

Ian Garry might have been overdoing his respectful gestures, but he did ultimately gain Team Makhachev’s respect. During the UFC 330 main event, the Dagestani was able to thwart the Irish danger. But in the process, he also had to go through a lot of challenges. So much so that coach Mendez has chosen Garry as Makhachev’s toughest opponent to date. 

This might come as a surprise, as the 34-year-old had faced some big names, especially Alexander Volkanovski. But according to Mendez, ‘Volk’ could only rattle Makhachev for a single round, after which there was not much threat from him. On the contrary, Garry was impressive throughout the five rounds. 

“I'm gonna go with Garry because with Volk, it was only one round, but with Garry, he was tough all the way through. So I'm gonna say, from my perspective, lan Garry was our toughest challenge,” Mendez told Submission Radio. 

Surely, such a statement would cheer up Garry. However, Islam’s coach also went on to point out how Garry was dominated like never before in UFC 330.

Javier Mendez Happy With Islam Makhachev’s Total Domination

Despite giving the Irish fighter his flowers, the Dagestani’s coach was happy with how Makhachev tackled the threat. Till now, Garry had only lost once. Yet, Mendez feels he was not dominated like in UFC 330. Makhachev not only controlled him with his wrestling, but also rattled the 28-year-old with some vicious striking. 

“Nobody has ever dominated Garry the way Islam did. I feel like Islam Makhachev is by far the most impressive double champion the UFC has seen, because of the contenders that he's fighting. He's in a harder weight class, fighting bigger guys, and the best contenders are young,” said Mendez. 

Now then, Makhachev will be waiting for a fitting opponent to defend his welterweight gold for the second time. As for Garry, he would like to take in all the praise and come back even stronger.