Ian Machado Garry has set foot in Georgia with one goal in mind: To solve the Islam Makhachev puzzle.
The short-notice risk taker, who is currently the No. 2-ranked welterweight contender, is rumored to challenge 170-pound UFC champion and pound-for-pound king Makhachev next, and he is getting ready in every way.
After suffering his lone MMA loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov on short notice in 2024, “The Future” bounced back in style in 2025 by securing a short-notice victory over Carlos Prates and then defeating former champion Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar.
After getting past “Remember the Name,” Garry has now set his sights on the Dagestani wrestling maestro. The Irishman had previously told fans that he plans to travel to Georgia to train with elite southpaw wrestlers who will help him dethrone Makhachev, and earlier this week, he kept his promise by arriving in Gori, Georgia.
Ian Machado Garry in Georgia Sharpening Wrestling Ahead of Potential Title Shot: An Exclusive with MMA Pros Pick
In a recent interview with MMA Pros Pick, Ian Machado Garry started by sharing his first impressions about the country:
I love it. You guys have got great wrestlers.”
When asked about how he ended up in Gori, Georgia, the undisputed heartland of world wrestling and judo, the Dubliner said:
We had one of the guys reach out to us before we won in UFC Qatar and said, ‘If you are coming, let me come and teach you,’ and I said okay.”
About the Nugzar Skhiereli Wrestling Gym, “The Future” added:
When I walked in, and I saw the kids who are like 5, 6, 7 [years old] all on the mats, like 60, 70 of them, and I saw them all wrestling, I was like this is gonna be good.”
Ian Machado Garry is confident that he is at the perfect place ahead of the potential Islam Makhachev showdown:
I told you before the fight, if I’m fighting Islam [Makhachev], this is the place I need to come and get people who have trained for years.”
When asked to confirm if he is the next UFC welterweight title challenger, Garry didn’t reveal much, but what he did say was enough to understand that he is getting a title shot next:
I am here training in Georgia, preparing for my wrestling.”
Ian Machado Garry also told MMA Pros Pick that he’s excited to visit Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, and is looking forward to vibing to some Georgian music. He has also been loving the reception from the fans. Garry added:
Great. They all come up. They have such a big smile on their face. They are happy and excited to see me.”
Lastly, “The Future” promised he would return to Georgia again.
100% for sure. I’ll be back for sure… Thank you for your love. Thank you for your support. And I am coming back, and I am going to need all your help. I am excited. Let’s go win a world title… მადლობა საქართველო [Thank You Georgia].”
Check out Ian Machado Garry’s comments below:
