UFC News

Charles Oliveira: Ian Machado Garry Has the Potential to Defeat Islam Makhachev

August 4, 2026Pablo Navarro3 мин

Brazilian mixed martial arts fighter Charles Oliveira, a former UFC lightweight champion, has voiced his belief that emerging Irish talent Ian Machado Garry possesses the skills necessary to overcome the dominant Islam Makhachev.

Oliveira, who has faced Makhachev himself in a closely contested title bout, acknowledged the Dagestani fighter's formidable wrestling and grappling prowess. However, he highlighted Garry's striking ability and overall offensive game as key factors that could pose a significant challenge to Makhachev's reign.

"He's a tough guy, Garry," Oliveira stated, referring to the undefeated Irish prospect. "He has a lot of talent. If he keeps training and evolving, he can be a problem for anyone, including Islam."

The former champion elaborated on Garry's offensive arsenal, noting his sharp striking and the dangerous combinations he can put together. While recognizing Makhachev's exceptional control on the ground, Oliveira suggested that Garry's offensive pressure and ability to keep the fight standing could be the deciding factors.

"Islam is very strong, especially on the ground," Oliveira conceded. "But Garry is dynamic. He has good hands, he's aggressive. If he can maintain distance and use his striking effectively, he has a real chance."

Oliveira's assessment comes at a time when Garry is steadily climbing the lightweight ranks, earning praise for his performances and confident demeanor. The prospect of a future matchup between Garry and Makhachev has already generated considerable buzz within the MMA community, and Oliveira's endorsement adds another layer of intrigue.

While acknowledging the significant challenge Garry would face, Oliveira's perspective suggests that the UFC lightweight division may have a new contender capable of disrupting the established order at the very top.

English Translation:

Brazilian mixed martial arts fighter Charles Oliveira, a former UFC lightweight champion, has expressed his conviction that the emerging Irish talent Ian Machado Garry has the skills required to defeat the dominant Islam Makhachev.

Oliveira, who himself competed against Makhachev in a tightly fought title fight, recognized the Dagestani fighter's formidable wrestling and grappling abilities. However, he pointed out Garry's striking prowess and overall offensive game as crucial elements that could present a significant challenge to Makhachev's supremacy.

"He's a tough guy, Garry," Oliveira remarked, referring to the undefeated Irish prospect. "He has a lot of talent. If he continues to train and improve, he can be a problem for anyone, including Islam."

The former champion further detailed Garry's offensive capabilities, mentioning his precise striking and the dangerous combinations he can execute. While acknowledging Makhachev's exceptional ground control, Oliveira suggested that Garry's offensive pressure and his ability to keep the fight standing could be the decisive factors.

"Islam is very strong, especially on the ground," Oliveira admitted. "But Garry is dynamic. He has good hands, he's aggressive. If he can maintain distance and use his striking effectively, he has a real chance."

Oliveira's evaluation comes at a time when Garry is consistently ascending the lightweight rankings, receiving accolades for his performances and confident attitude. The anticipation of a potential future bout between Garry and Makhachev has already sparked considerable excitement within the MMA community, and Oliveira's endorsement adds further intrigue.

While acknowledging the substantial hurdle Garry would face, Oliveira's viewpoint indicates that the UFC lightweight division might have a new contender capable of disrupting the established hierarchy at the highest level.