Makhachev's coach says Garry deserves to stay No. 1 contender despite UFC 330 defeat

Islam Makhachev’s head coach Javier Mendez has called for Ian Garry to keep his No. 1 welterweight ranking despite the Irishman falling to a decision defeat against the champion at UFC 330 in Philadelphia. Makhachev (29-1) successfully defended his UFC welterweight title against Garry (17-2), but the performance was far from routine.

Garry stuffed multiple takedown and submission attempts throughout the fight, and Makhachev — who has routinely dominated opponents on the ground — was unable to control the challenger in the way he has managed against previous foes. The champion also missed several takedown attempts outright, and by the championship rounds it was Garry who appeared the fresher fighter, with Makhachev’s face visibly bruised at the final bell.

Mendez was candid in his assessment of the challenger’s showing. “Ian Garry came in to demonstrate how tough he was, how deserving he is of the No. 1 spot and he proved his point,” Mendez told Submission Radio. “He’s the No. 1 contender for a reason and he probably should stay No. 1 contender after this performance, in my opinion.”

The praise from the champion’s own corner carries particular weight given the competitive nature of the bout. Garry, a former Cage Warriors champion, entered UFC 330 as the division’s top-ranked contender and, according to Mendez, did nothing to forfeit that status.

Attention now turns to Makhachev’s next title defence. The champion is targeting Carlos Prates, while unbeaten prospect Michael Morales — who weighed in as a backup fighter at UFC 330 — is also under consideration as a potential challenger.