If Ian Machado Garry is next up for Islam Makhachev, then Javier Mendez doesn’t expect “The Future” to last on the ground.
Makhachev captured the UFC Welterweight Championship back in Nov. 2025. His dominant performance against Jack Della Maddalena left many wondering who would be worthy of a title opportunity. While Makhachev prefers to face former 170-pound titleholder Kamaru Usman, other contenders such as Garry have emerged.
Appearing on Submission Radio, Mendez shared why he doesn’t believe Garry can hang with Makhachev when the fight hits the mat (h/t MMAJunkie).
“He does well with Islam on the standup because he’s rangy, he’s tricky, all those,” Mendez said. “But on the ground, he doesn’t. He does OK, but he doesn’t survive on the ground, I don’t think. He might survive five rounds, but he won’t get the best of Islam on the ground. I’m 100 percent sure about that.
“In the standup, he’s pretty tricky, so one kick, one punch, one knee can change everything. The takedown defense that he has is decent, but not great enough to stop Islam from taking him down.”
Garry is coming off a unanimous decision over former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad via unanimous decision. “The Future” has only lost one fight in his pro MMA career, and it was against Shavkat Rakhmonov. Garry has also beaten the likes of Carlos Prates and Michael Page.
Makhachev is a surefire future UFC Hall of Famer, who is looking to further cement his legacy before he decides it’s time to wind down. UFC hasn’t announced who is next for Makhachev or when he is expected to return to the Octagon. BJPenn.com will keep you posted with the latest updates in the coming weeks and months.
How do you think Ian Machado Garry would fare against Islam Makhachev? Voice your opinion in the comment section below.