Islam Makhachev is not convinced that a couple of months focusing on wrestling will be nearly enough for Ian Machado Garry to get ready to face him in the Octagon.
Ever since claiming the UFC welterweight title in November, Makhachev has been targeted repeatedly by Garry, who is not shy about staking his claim to the next shot at the belt.
Garry, now sitting at number two in the rankings after consecutive wins over Carlos Prates and Belal Muhammad, believes he has done enough to position himself as the division’s top contender.
Though nothing is confirmed yet about his title shot, Garry is preparing as if he will be called up sooner rather than later.
Islam Makhachev warns Ian Machado Garry that a trip to Georgia will not be enough
This week, ‘The Future’ caught the attention of UFC fans by sharing a photo from the airport before heading to Tbilisi, Georgia.
Machado Garry had previously said that if he ever got matched up with Makhachev, he would head to Georgia to work on his wrestling. That comment has only added fuel to the fire, making fans think that fight might be happening soon.
Despite the buzz, the 34-year-old champion does not think much of it. He said Machado Garry’s decision to fly out there was a “cruel mistake”, and doubted whether two or three months would make any real difference.
Makhachev said to Ushatayka: “Well, I already said that it is a mistake, for wrestlers to go to some training camp for 2-3 months before a fight in order to get ready for the fight.
“On the contrary, this plays into such a cruel mistake because he is a person who goes somewhere for 2-3 months to prepare and begins to believe in his struggle, and then it doesn’t work.
“It is impossible to learn to fight in 2-3 months. This is something you have to do since childhood for many, many years.”
Islam Makhachev says he has not discussed Ian Machado Garry fight with UFC
Machado Garry’s recent moves may indicate he is preparing for a title shot, but Makhachev has clarified that he has not had any formal talks with the UFC about facing the Irishman.
“To be honest, I’ve only read what was in the media myself, and I didn’t even have any specific negotiations regarding this particular opponent,” he said.
However, the champion did confirm his intention to fight again in June, whether it aligns with the UFC White House event or shortly after.
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