Islam Makhachev has never fought in the Octagon as a welterweight, but his name has already caused vibrations throughout the division, and no one appears to feel it more than Ian Machado Garry. The outspoken Irish competitor, presently ranked eighth at 170 pounds, recently expressed his thoughts on Makhachev’s probable move up from lightweight, and he didn’t mince words. Speaking with Shak MMA, Garry not only congratulated the reigning lightweight champion but also painted a bleak picture for anyone looking to dominate the welterweight rankings if Makhachev decides to move up.

Garry described the Dagestani as “an absolute disaster for everyone in the division,” emphasizing Makhachev’s strength, stature, and skill set, making him a nightmare matchup at 170 pounds. “You’ve got to give respect where respect is due,” the fighter stated, acknowledging Makhachev’s pound-for-pound dominance. However, this was more than just diplomatic praise. It came with a strong warning: if Makhachev no longer needs to deal with rigorous weight cuts, he will become even more dangerous. “He’s a perfect example of the new evolution of fighters, Great everywhere.” ‘Machado’ said.

What makes Garry’s statement even more intriguing is that he is not fleeing the potential threat; rather, he is confronting it. He seeks the challenge. ‘Machado’ stated that he “would love to test” himself against Makhachev. “I’m someone who wants to test myself against the best in the world, and I would love to test myself against him.” Many people would see this as boldness. But coming from someone who pushed Shavkat Rakhmonov to the brink and is now preparing for a fight with Carlos Prates, Garry’s demand feels more like ambition than arrogance. He’s not just chasing names; he wants to compare himself to the greatest to establish he belongs in the conversation.

For the time being, Islam Makhachev maintains an iron hold on the lightweight division, and his eventual move to welterweight is speculative. But when a top-10 competitor in a packed category names him as the biggest concern before he even arrives, that says a lot. Ian Garry’s comments do more than merely boost Makhachev; they also stir the pot in a shark-infested weight class. And if the Dagestani gains traction, expect the speculation about a Garry vs. Makhachev showdown to intensify. Because, as Garry put it, Makhachev isn’t just another fighter gaining weight. He is a storm waiting to happen. However, it is worth noting that it isn’t just ‘Machado,’ but even Carlos Prates who believes that Makhachev will be an apex predator if he moves to Welterweight.

Carlos Prates shares the same belief in Islam Makhachev as Ian Machado Garry

Carlos Prates may be preparing to face Ian Machado Garry, but when it comes to Islam Makhachev, the Brazilian appears to share Garry’s sentiments—perhaps with greater urgency. After Garry described Makhachev as a “disaster” for the welterweight category, Prates went a step further by admitting what most welterweights are reluctant to admit: Makhachev would be a more difficult fight than the current champion, Belal Muhammad. In a division brimming with great talent, that’s more than praise; it’s an admission that Makhachev’s reputation extends far beyond lightweight competition.

It’s rare to hear a rated fighter throw the division’s defending champion under the bus like that. But ‘The Natural,’ who has dominated the MMA world with ten knockouts in an 11-fight winning streak, did not hesitate. “Islam is better than Belal,” he declared. There was no disrespect—only a clear realization of the threat Makhachev poses. And it wasn’t just about the wrestling. Prates notably mentioned Makhachev’s dangerous combination of striking and ground control makes him “much more harder” to beat. When a fighter such as Prates says something, it’s not about fear but about math. The odds change when a fighter like Islam Makhachev enters the cage.

Still, make no mistake: Carlos Prates isn’t shrinking under the spotlight. As much as he admires Islam’s abilities, his gaze is fixed on the belt, not the man who might be holding it. “I don’t care who is champ,” he stated. It’s his reckless attitude that makes his approaching confrontation with Garry so exciting. These are not two fighters attempting to set records. They want to shape the future of the welterweight class. And, whether it’s Belal Muhammad, Makhachev, or someone else totally blocking their path, both men have already circled the same storm cloud. They just think they’ll be the ones walking out when it clears. What do you think? Who will win the fight? Let us know in the comments.