Makhachev Delivers Blunt Assessment of Garry's Training Strategy
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has issued a direct and critical message for rising welterweight contender Ian Machado Garry. The dominant champion firmly believes the Irish fighter is committing a significant error by traveling to Georgia for an intensive wrestling training camp. Garry recently posted photos from his trip, indicating his goal to enhance his ground game as he pursues a shot at the UFC welterweight championship. However, Makhachev argues that short-term training efforts cannot address fundamental skill deficiencies that require years to develop.
Makhachev's Detailed Critique of Short-Term Training Camps
In an exclusive interview with Ushatayka, Islam Makhachev elaborated on why Ian Machado Garry's Georgia move is unlikely to yield substantial improvements inside the Octagon. "This is a mistake for fighters, to go to some training camp for two-three months before the fight in order to get ready for the fight," Makhachev stated. "It's in reverse, this plays into such a cruel mistake because a person who goes somewhere for two-three months to prepare and starts to believe in his skills and then it doesn't work."
Makhachev emphasized that wrestling mastery cannot be achieved quickly. "In two-three months, it is impossible to learn how to wrestle. This is what you have to do since childhood, many, many years," he explained, underscoring the long-term dedication required for elite grappling proficiency.
Manager Ali Abdelaziz Questions Garry's Title Credentials
Simultaneously, Makhachev's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, spoke to MMA Junkie and expressed strong reservations about Ian Machado Garry's readiness for a welterweight title opportunity. Abdelaziz pointed to Garry's recent performances and marketability as concerns. "I have no problem with [Garry]. He just lost to Shavkat [Rakhmonov], and he was almost finished by Prates," Abdelaziz noted. "It's not like a guy who's going to sell out an arena or something like that."
Abdelaziz challenged the logic behind promoting Garry as a headline fighter, referencing other matchups. "If he's going to sell out the arena, why don't you make him and Belal the event in Qatar? You made Arman [Tsarukyan] and Dan Hooker? Neither of these guys are former champions. The math doesn't add up for me," he argued.
Abdelaziz Advocates for Kamaru Usman as Top Contender
Instead of Garry, Ali Abdelaziz strongly endorsed former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman as the most deserving challenger. "Kamaru is coming from a win, and he barely lost to Khamzat [Chimaev]. Has anybody beaten Kamaru Usman decisively in the octagon? Never," Abdelaziz declared. He further highlighted Usman's credentials by stating, "Kamaru Usman is Islam Makhachev's toughest fight," implying his high-level capabilities across divisions.
Comparative Analysis and Future Implications
When asked to compare Ian Machado Garry with fellow welterweight Jack Della Maddalena, Islam Makhachev acknowledged both as primarily strikers but ranked Maddalena above Garry in skill and readiness. This assessment adds another layer to the ongoing debate about the welterweight title picture.
As Ian Machado Garry continues his training and campaign for a championship opportunity, the public critiques from Islam Makhachev and Ali Abdelaziz present significant hurdles. The path to a title fight now appears more complex, requiring not just improved skills but also convincing performances to sway influential figures within the MMA community. The welterweight division remains in flux, with Kamaru Usman emerging as a formidable alternative backed by strong managerial support.
