Ian Machado Garry believes Islam Makhachev’s past performances could be a big issue ahead of his potential title fight against Jack Della Maddalena.
After Jack Della Maddalena successfully dethroned Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, he was immediately called out by Islam Makhachev, who has been waiting patiently for a potential welterweight title fight.
Not long after, it was announced by UFC boss, Dana White, that Makhachev has vacated his lightweight title in pursuit of a title fight against Jack Della Maddalena.
In the lead up to his title fight in Canada, Della Maddalena sparked a potential feud with welterweight contender, Ian Machado Garry, after he made comments about him and his son at the pre-fight press conference.
Ian Machado Garry highlights Makhachev’s past performances as issue ahead of title fight
With Makhachev being all but confirmed to be Della Maddalena’s first title defense, he has already been advised to work on his takedowns by his longtime teammate, Daniel Cormier.
The Australian champion is thought to have a striking advantage in the matchup, not only because of his dominant boxing but because of his size advantage.
And Machado Garry has highlighted Makhachev’s past performances against Alexander Volkanovski and Dustin Poirier as a big issue coming into his potential title fight against the welterweight champion.
“Size matters and when you’re giving up an extra 15 pounds to move up a division – yes, Islam Makhachev is big and yes, Islam is strong, and we know that he walks around more than 155lbs. We know he probably walks around at 180-190lbs,” Machado Garry began to tell Covers.
“But Jack is just a bigger human, and I watch (Makhachev’s) fights against Alexander Volkanovski and Dustin Poirier, and I see those fights, yes, Islam looked great, and Islam did what he needed to do. But Jack is a bigger man. He hits harder. Everything stings more,” he continued.
Machado Garry comments on potential Dagestan vs Ireland matchup
One of the biggest rivalries in UFC history took place between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov in what was marketed as Dagestan vs Ireland.
With the 27-year-old eyeing up a fight against the winner of the potential welterweight title fight, he has explained that he wouldn’t be entirely keen on it being linked to McGregor vs Khabib.
“If people want to market it as Dagestan versus Ireland if me and Islam Makhachev ever cross paths, then they can. But I feel like that’s bringing in two people like Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov who have had their rivalry and have done and said things they’ve said,” he said.
Before that potential fight can happen, though, Makhachev has to complete the huge feat of beating Della Maddalena in their likely fight later this year.