Garry Says He Beats Makhachev In Rematch

Ian Machado Garry believes a second fight with Islam Makhachev would end with his hand raised.

Garry dropped a unanimous decision to Makhachev in the UFC 330 main event back in August. The challenger landed enough strikes to mark up the champion's face, but he was dropped by a second-round head kick and spent much of the fight defending the lightweight king's grappling. Now ranked No. 2 on the Meta UFC rankings, Garry told DAZN he is confident he would reverse the result today. "I feel like if I fight him right now, I beat him," Garry said, per BJ Penn.com.

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What Garry Would Change In Makhachev Rematch

Garry acknowledged that more volume and sharper kicks would have tilted the scorecards his way. He admitted it is tough to execute a game plan against a man who has beaten every opponent in front of him, but insisted he has the formula now. The chances of a quick return bout are slim. Makhachev is expected to face another contender, possibly Carlos Prates, while Michael Morales waits in the wings. UFC CEO Dana White also made clear he was not thrilled to see Garry acting friendly with Makhachev in the fifth round while trailing on the cards.

Garry, who is No. 1 on the media rankings panel, says he wants to get back in the cage as soon as his body allows. "Anyone, anywhere, anytime," he said. No shortage of fresh matchups exists at the top of the welterweight division.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Ian Machado Garry thinks rematch with Islam Makhachev would play out far differently: “I feel like if I fight him right now, I beat him”