Makhachev names Garry as welterweight's most dangerous threat and future champion

Islam Makhachev has declared Ian Machado Garry the most dangerous fighter in the welterweight division and the man most likely to become champion once he vacates the title, speaking to Ushatayka following his UFC 330 title defence in August.

Makhachev edged Garry by decision in the UFC 330 main event — a closer contest than many anticipated — to record his 17th consecutive UFC victory, surpassing the record previously held by Anderson Silva. The champion has since stated his ambition is to extend that streak to 20 straight wins.

“I think one of the most dangerous and serious opponents was my last fight with Ian Garry,” Makhachev said. “And I think he’ll become champion after I leave. He’s young. I think he still has time.”

When assessing the contenders who could fill those remaining defences, Makhachev placed Carlos Prates, Michael Morales, and Shavkat Rakhmonov on equal footing. “Honestly, I put them all on the same level,” he said. “Prates has striking power, he’s dangerous. Morales is very big, and he’s dangerous in wrestling and striking. And Shavkat is a very serious opponent in terms of his skills as a fighter.”

Makhachev was notably dismissive of former Bellator champion Yaroslav Amosov, suggesting the Ukrainian’s wrestling-dependent game plan carries an obvious vulnerability. “I don’t think he is a dangerous opponent. I saw the fight where someone shut down his wrestling, and look what happened. I don’t consider him a dangerous fighter at all.”

The champion has indicated he wants to squeeze in another title defence before Ramadan, which begins in February, with Prates emerging as the most likely challenger. Garry, meanwhile, is already looking ahead, publicly targeting a bout with Morales as he works his way back into contention for a rematch.