Welterweight champion Islam Makhachev enters the fight as the reigning welterweight champion and the UFC’s pound-for-pound king. A victory would extend his winning streak and further strengthen his case as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history.
Ian Machado Garry, meanwhile, has rebounded impressively from the first loss of his career. Victories over Carlos Prates and former champion Belal Muhammad earned him this title shot and established him as one of the division’s top contenders.
Islam Makhachev (Champion)
Last 3 Bouts
Win. Jack Della Maddalena – Unanimous Decision
Win. Renato Moicano – Submission (D’Arce Choke)
Win. Dustin Poirier – Submission (D’Arce Choke)
Strengths
Elite wrestling and grappling
Exceptional positional control
High fight IQ
Excellent cardio over five rounds
Dangerous submission game
Improved striking and counterattacks
Championship experience
Weaknesses
Can be less active against opponents with strong movement
Occasionally absorbs strikes while closing distance
Faces a larger, longer opponent in Garry
Must adjust to defending the welterweight title against naturally bigger contenders
Keys to Victory
Close the distance early
Pressure Garry against the fence
Mix takedowns with striking
Prevent Garry from establishing rhythm at range
Force prolonged grappling exchanges
Use championship experience in later rounds
Ian Machado Garry
Last 3 Bouts
Win. Belal Muhammad – Unanimous Decision
Win. Carlos Prates – Unanimous Decision
Lose. Shavkat Rakhmonov – Unanimous Decision
Strengths
Excellent footwork
Strong distance control
Precise striking
Five-inch height advantage
Four-inch reach advantage
High-level cardio
Ability to stick to a disciplined game plan
Weaknesses
Limited finishing rate against elite opponents
Has not faced a grappler of Makhachev’s caliber
Can become overly cautious in big fights
Relies heavily on maintaining range
Less championship experience than Makhachev
Keys to Victory
Use movement and lateral footwork
Keep Makhachev at kicking range
Defend takedowns consistently
Punish entries with counters
Force Makhachev to strike for extended periods
Win rounds through volume and accuracy
Odds
Islam Makachev -345
Ian Machado Garry +275
