Islam Makhachev: 'Ian Machado Garry is a future UFC champion'

Ian Machado Garry will one day become a UFC champion, Islam Makhachev claims.

At 34, Makhachev likely has several more years at the top of his game before age becomes a factor, should he stay in the sport that long. There are countless younger, hungrier fighters in the welterweight division, with many of those making potential great champions in the future. One man the Dagestani sees getting his hands on UFC gold before he retires is former foe Garry.

Islam Makhachev has swept through a number of contenders in his weight class, but there are still some dangerous opponents waiting for him. Carlos Prates and Michael Morales are the most notable fighters yet to face Makhachev, but there is one more. Much has been made of Yaroslav Amosov since his debut in the octagon, with some shouts of him being the man to end Makhachev’s championship reign. However, the champ isn’t convinced.

“I don’t think he’s a dangerous opponent,” Makhachev said about Amosov. “I already saw his fight where someone stopped his wrestling. What happened? I don’t consider him a dangerous fighter for me, at all.”

There is no shortage of talent in the welterweight division. Islam Makhachev has acknowledged the challenges that face him, understanding that any man is capable of snatching the gold from him on any given night.

But Makhachev believes that when he is elsewhere and no longer with the UFC, the one name that stands out the most to hold the title next is Ian Machado Garry.

“I consider one of the most dangerous and serious opponents to be my last opponent, [Ian Machado Garry],” Makhachev added. “I think he will become champion after I leave.”

Watch Islam Makhachev deliver the ultimate praise to Ian Machado Garry and much more in the video below.